In bats, the skin forming the surface of the wing. It is an extension of the skin of the abdomen that runs to the tip of each digit, uniting the forelimb with the body.
In gliding species, such as some lizards, rodents, and primates, the flat parachute-like extension of skin that catches the air, allowing them to glide.
In some lepidopterans, one of a pair of small sensory organs situated at the bases of the anterior wings.
In birds, the fold of skin extending from the humerus to the carpal joint, making up the leading edge of the wing.
For the flying mammal see bat. ... Model of the layers of human skin In zootomy and dermatology, skin is an organ of the integumentary system; which is composed of a layer of tissues that protect underlying muscles and organs. ... A modern glider crossing the finish line at speed Gliding (or soaring) is a recreational activity and competitive sport where individuals fly un-powered aeroplanes known as gliders or sailplanes. ... This page is about Lizards, the order of reptile. ... Families Many, see text The order Rodentia is the most numerous of all the branches on the mammal family tree. ... Families 13, See classification A primate is any member of the biological order Primates (Latin primus first), the group that contains all lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans. ... The Apollo 15 capsule landed safely despite a parachute failure. ... Families About 130 - see text The Lepidoptera is the second largest order of insects comprising butterflies, skippers, and moths. ... For other meanings of bird, see bird (disambiguation). ... The humerus is an long bone in the arm or fore-legs (animals) that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. ... In Greek mythology, Carpus fruit was a son of Chloris and Boreas. ...
The patagium is a furred membrane of skin, stretching from the fore leg to the hind leg.
Underneath the skin of the patagium lay long thin muscle groups that control some of its movement, and along the edge lies a group of intertwined muscle that serves to hold the skin flaps in various degrees of tautness as required during its glide.
The patagium attaches to the fore leg via the styliform cartilage (see image at right), a rod-like appendage that allows the patagium to be extended further than would be the case without such a feature, thereby increasing the area of the leading edge, and the total area of the airfoil.