Comb and wattles

Comb and wattles are fleshy appendages on birds’ heads and throats, especially conspicuous in domestic chickens. They help with display and temperature regulation.

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Chicken: A domesticated fowl descended primarily from the red junglefowl and raised worldwide for meat and eggs. Domestic chickens are the birds in which combs and wattles are most familiar and varied.
Thermoregulation: The regulation of an organism’s body temperature within a viable range. Blood flowing near the surface allows combs and wattles to release heat.
Poultry breeding: The selective mating of domestic fowl to produce desired inherited traits. Breeders select comb form and size alongside production and appearance traits.
Single comb: A chicken comb consisting of one upright, serrated ridge extending along the top of the head. This familiar form is the standard comparison for other chicken comb types.
Avian integument: The skin and its specialized coverings and appendages in birds. Combs and wattles are specialized, largely featherless parts of the avian integument.
Vasodilation: The widening of blood vessels, which increases blood flow through them. Changes in vessel diameter can alter blood flow, surface temperature, and visible color.
Chicken breed: A recognized population of domestic chickens with characteristic inherited traits. Comb shape helps distinguish several chicken breeds.
V-comb: A chicken comb formed by two pointed branches that meet in a V shape. It shows how combs can differ markedly in outline while serving similar functions.
Chicken anatomy: The structure of a chicken’s body, including its organs, tissues, and external features. Their position and tissue structure make sense within the chicken’s overall anatomy.
Sexual selection: Natural selection arising from differences in success at obtaining mates. Comb size and appearance can influence mate choice and competition among chickens.