CLAWS,NAILS AND HOOFS

CLAWS Claws are narrow curved structures curled

downward from the edges of the digits.

Claws are present in amniotic classes.

Claws are epidermal derivatives hardened by Keratin Protein.

They consist of a bone from dermal origin that is covered by a layer of keratin.

How Animals use Claws?

For scratchingFor clutching DiggingClimbingDefense PurposesKill and hold the preyTo increase traction while running

Shapes and Sizes of Claws

Different animals have different sizes and shapes of claws. Size and shape depends on habitat and different ways of getting food.

Claws of EagleEagl

Claws of Hen

TalonsTalons are claws of the birds of prey.They are long and sharp as compared to ordinary

claws of other birds. Talons are present in birds of prey while claws

are in reptiles and mammals.

TYPES OF CLAWS1. Retractable Claws: These claws can hide in an animal paw. They are not used during relaxation period. When they are to be used, they are forced out

by pulling tendons. They are sharp 2. Non-Retractable Claws: They can’t be hidden inside the animal paw. These claws are visible all the time. They become blunt.

TYPES OF CLAWS3. Dew Claws: They are vestigial digits . They are found on the foot and grow high on

animal’s leg. Position is analogous to human thumb. They might help in gaining traction.

TYPES OF CLAWS4. Grooming Claws: They are present on foot mostly on second or

third toe. They are used for personal grooming. These claws are not pointed.

NAILS• Nails are evolved forms of claws. • A nail is a covering on tips of fingers and toes

in primates and some mammals.• The nails are composed of a protein called

“Keratin”and dead skin cells.

Functions Of NailsNails have the following functions;

• Protect the finger tips from injury• Enhance the delicate movements of the digits• Enhance the sensitivity of the fingertip • Function like a tool enabling the organism to

cut or scrape things.• For social grooming specifically in primates

STRUCTURENail has the following parts;

• Nail Plate• Matrix• Nail Bed• Nail Sinus• Cuticle

NAIL CARE & GROWTH• Matrix produces new plate cells forcing the old

ones to move forward.

• Primates trim their nails by biting them off also called “Onycophangia”.

• Humans take special care of their nails by going to nail technicians, who trim and clean nails. Women also paint their nails for aesthetic effects

HOOVES• A hoof is present at the tip of a toe in some

ungulate mammal.• A hoof is also made of Keratin, which provides it

strength and thickens it.• The sole of the hoof is hard and a wall is also

formed by the nail around the hoof.

Functions Of Hoofs Hooves have the following functions;

• Protection of the inner skin from chemical and heat damages.

• Ensure sure-footedness.• Helps in anchoring the animal to the ground.• Help in digging.• Can be used as weapons in fights.• They also have historical significance in different

events and ceremonies.• In industries, hooves are also boiled at high

temperature to make high end glue

CLOVEN HOOFS

• Most of the even-toed ungulates have “cloven hoofs”,which is a hoof split into two toes.

• The space between the two hoofs is called interdigital cleft and the skin is called interdigital skin.

HOOF CARE Hoof health is necessary and depends on both diet and exercise.

• Natural• Domestic

Anatomy of hoofHoof consists of 3 main layersStratum Externum

Stratum medium

Stratum internum

AnatomyStratum Externum Outer layer Coronary band Horn tissues produced by peroplic dermis. On hoof wall periople is present.Stratum Mediam Outer covering in hoof wall. Wall consists of dead cells and keratin tubes. Keratin layer grows every month. Stratum Internum Beneath the hoof wall is hoof horn. It is attached to thin Laminae and 3rd phylanx. Major bone

of the hoofs are coffin bone and Navicular bone.

Morphology of HoofFront of Hoof is called toe.Back of hoof is heel.In the middle of the sole “Frog”(rubbery

material) is present which acts as a shock absorber .

The junction between sole and wall is called “White line”.

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