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Skin structure and hair morphology of different body parts in the C ommon P ipistrelle ( P ipistrellus pipistrellus )
Author(s) -
Madej Jan P.,
Mikulová Lucie,
Gorošová Alexandra,
Mikula Štěpán,
Řehák Zdeněk,
Tichý František,
Buchtová Marcela
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2012.00578.x
Subject(s) - biology , dorsum , anatomy , morphology (biology) , wing , parasite hosting , zoology , world wide web , computer science , engineering , aerospace engineering
The bat skin shows an unusual morphology that corresponds to flying adaptations but also performs multiple functions including a protective barrier against microbes and parasites. Here, we compare the microscopic structure of the skin and hairs collected from the membranes with other body parts in the C ommon P ipistrelle ( P ipistrellus pipistrellus ) in relation to parasite availability. Statistical analysis of whole‐skin thickness revealed two main groups according to body regions; the first with thin skin (wing and tail membrane) and the second with thick skin (head and dorsum, abdomen, footpad). The density of hair was evaluated by a novel method, and it revealed that the density was significantly higher in the head region than in dorsal and ventral body parts. These differences possibly play a role for bat ectoparasites when choosing the preferred region of their host. Along the axis of each hair, the scale morphology was found to be variable. Hair morphology, however, did not vary among body regions. Mast cells were numerous in the hairy areas around vessels and hair follicles of the dorsum and abdomen, which are easily accessible to ectoparasites. Increased numbers of mast cells in hair‐bearing skin are part of the host adaptation system in parasite‐preferred locations.