Podotheca
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Big scale (scutum) on the tarsometatarsus of a chicken (HE)
The stratum corneum forms a layer of hard keratin on the outer surface of the scale and is composed of dense fusiform laminae which are palely-stained. The softer keratin in the sulcus in between two scales is much deeper-stained and is less organized in laminae or even composed of a more spongy material.