Dermal Protection in Mammalian Species Essay - 988 Words

Dermal Protection in Mammalian Species Typically, most animals of the class mammalia typically have relatively less durable outer dermal layers than other classes of animal, such as reptiles. It can be seen particularly in humans (Homo sapiens), where their skin is vulnerable to many external hazards. However, some mammals have developed independently to obtain much more durable dermal protection. Highlighted here specifically, will be the specimens within the families of Manidae and Dasypodidae. Respectively these families represent the animals, the pangolin and armadillo. Although of very different classes, orders, etc. these specific mammals have developed the ability to protect themselves with their own outer coverings. The†¦show more content†¦(Vickaryous and Hall 2006) The osteoderms are not fully formed as soon as the armadillo is born, but must grow as the armadillo itself grows. Osteoblasts secrete osteoid, which is what creates the tiled, boney structures of the osteoderms. (Vickaryous and Hall 2006) Wh ile initially grown in an even thickness, as the armadillo grows into adulthood, the dorsal surface of the osteoderms become much thicker than the ventral surface. This can be further seen in the fact that the dorsal surface will contain many of its osteoblasts, unlike the ventral surface which will have very few. (Vickaryous and Hall 2006) It is important to note, that unlike animals, such as turtles, the carapace is not directly connected the spine or ribs of the armadillo. (Vickaryous and Hall 2006) The mechanism in which armadillos use their shell to protect themselves is also very different than how a turtle would use its shell. The tiles of the osteoderms are connected to each other via collagen fibers known as Sharpeys’ fibers (Fig. 2). These fibers add tensile strength to the shell, allowing for the shell to be more durable, while also not requiring it to be entirely rigid. (Chen et al. 2011) This, alongside the fact that keratinized scales cover the osteoderms create s a shell that is hard, yet also flexible. (Rhee et al. 2011) These boney tiles also have the advantage of beingShow MoreRelatedAdipic Acid43555 Words   |  175 Pagescyclohexanol which is one of the reactants for production of adipic acid. Another reactant which is cyclohexanone, is an intermediate product in manufacturing of caprolactam which usually using a palladium catalyst in the process (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1991). The second step in producing the adipic acid after produced both cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone is by oxidation the mixture with nitric acid. Both cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone will react with nitric acid to produce adipic