Poultry Sci- body parts & systems

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering Poultry Anatomy & Physiology topics from the notes.

Poultry Science

The study of all aspects of poultry, including production.

Ornithology

The study of birds.

Anatomy

The science of the structure of animals; derived from the Greek word for 'to cut up'.

Physiology

The science that deals with the functions of the living organism and its parts.

Integumentary System

The skin and feathers together form the outer protective covering; functions include protection, temperature regulation, aiding flight, and sensory reception.

Skeletal System

The system of bones that provides structural support and framework for the body.

Muscular System

The muscles that enable movement and locomotion.

Respiratory System

The organs and passages involved in breathing, including the lungs and trachea.

Circulatory System

The heart and blood vessels that transport blood throughout the body.

Immune System

The body's defense system against disease and infection.

Nervous System

The network of nerves and the brain that coordinates body activities.

Endocrine System

Glands that secrete hormones to regulate body processes.

Excretory System

Organs involved in waste removal, including the kidneys.

Reproductive System

Organs involved in reproduction, including ovaries and oviduct.

Digestive System

The digestive tract, including the crop, proventriculus, gizzard, and intestines.

Comb

The fleshy, usually red crest on top of the chicken's head; comes in shapes such as single, rose, pea, cushion, buttercup, strawberry, and V-shaped.

Wattle

Red, pendulous flesh at the base of the beak; commonly present on both sides.

Snood

A fleshy protuberance at the base of the upper beak (noted in turkeys; appears on chickens as part of facial ornamentation).

Beak

A horny, keratinized structure forming the bird’s bill.

Feathers

Epidermal outgrowths that form the plumage; hatchlings have down feathers and adults have various feather types.

Contour Feathers

Outermost feathers with four parts: quill, shaft (rachis), fluff/undercolor, and web; the web is formed by barbules.

Quill

The hollow stem of a feather that forms part of the contour feather.

Rachis

The shaft or main axis of a feather from which barbs extend.

Barbules

Microscopic hooks on barbs that interlock to form a smooth feather vane.

Filoplume

A hairlike feather with a short flexible rachis and barbs only at the tip; often sensory or decorative.