Whiskers

Whiskers, or vibrissae, are specialized, thickened hairs found on many mammals, most notably on the face. They occur in clusters along the muzzle and cheeks, with additional whiskers near the eyes, chin, and sometimes on the forelimbs. Unlike ordinary fur, vibrissae are rooted in enlarged follicles connected to a dense network of nerves and muscles, making them highly sensitive tactile organs.

Each vibrissa grows from a deep follicle that contains a sinus and a rich supply of nerve endings. The follicles are surrounded by muscles that can move the whiskers, enabling the animal to probe its surroundings. The hair follicles supply blood, and the nerve endings transmit tactile information to the brain, allowing detection of contact, air movement, and the relative position of nearby objects.

Whiskers vary by species. Facial whiskers include mystacial (on the upper lip), supraorbital (above the eyes), genal (cheek), and chin whiskers; some species also have carpal whiskers on the forelimbs. Whiskers are periodically shed and regrow. They function as a sensory system that complements vision, helping with navigation, prey detection, and habitat assessment, especially in darkness or confined spaces.