Tough, horny, brittle, smooth, striated or plate-like extensions of the stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin. It serves as a protective layer in fishes, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Synonyms: Scales, Cuticular, Epidermal Scale, Dermal Scale, Cuticular Scales, Scale, Cuticular, Scales, Animal, Scale, Animal, Animal Scales, Scales, Epidermal, Scale, Epidermal, Animal Scale, Cuticular Scale, Dermal Scales, Epidermal Scales, Scales, Dermal, Scale, Dermal