[Jacob-list] horn question

[Pbs123 at aol.com]

Hello Fred!


When I ran an osteological prep business we encountered those cracks in horns 
often, and always made great efforts to dig out all the organic matter that 
accumulates in them.
I think what happens is these instances is that only the outer, harder layers 
of horn crack. The inner layers are not as keratinized and are more flexible 
and pliable, and not being as rigid don't break like the outermost layers. 
Because they are inseparably fused to the harder layers, they keep the horn 
from breaking off completely. These "fight scars" can therefore only be 
produced on those parts of the horn surrounding the bony horn core (where new 
growth is occurring). Further out the horn would simply snap off. 
If memory serves, after horn material is produced, it progresses though 5 or 
so stages of hardening (four may be more accurate, as the outer layer is sort 
of a waterproofing substance) as it grows away from the core. There really 
isn't any soft tissue involvement so you won't see any bleeding etc.


Peter Spellmeyer