A "Sticky Situation"

Do you ever wonder how rats can climb almost every type of surface? From concrete to sheet metal, there’s no stopping them. Why?

Their paws play a huge role in their agility and mobility. They are equipped with really sharp nails that allow them to latch onto any surface. Another key feature that is significant is the pads of their paws, which contain microscopic dermal ridges. This helps increase friction and allows them to grip (Termite, 2019).

Like the tail, their paws are also responsible for thermoregulation. “The feet vasodilate in near synchrony with the tail during ambient heat stress, internal heating caused by exercise, or drug-induced hyperthermia” (El Bitar et al., 2014). There are a lot of Meissner-like Corpuscles across the skin, which are nerve endings that are responsible for transmitting touch and vibration (Wai et al., 2020). Their hind paws play a major role in both touch and thermoregulation.