ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Eggshell is made almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) crystals. It is a semipermeable membrane, which means that air and moisture can pass through its pores. The shell also has a thin outermost coating called the bloom or cuticle that helps keep out bacteria and dust.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Cuticle: Related to the egg’s bloom, the cuticle is a natural protective coating that is the outermost layer of the entire shell. It seals the passage of gases and bacteria inside and outside and signals the formation of the harder calcium carbonate coating during egg formation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Immediately beneath the shell are two membranes, the outer and inner shell membranes. These membranes protect the contents of the egg from bacteria and prevent moisture from leaving the egg too quickly.. Because the body temperature of a hen is approximately 106° F, eggs are very warm at the time they are laid.

Detailed explanation-4: -The shell is the hard covering that encases all the eggs contents. It is made primarily of calcium carbonate. It can be a variety of different colors and shapes depending on the type of bird that laid it. (See Part 1 of this lesson.)

Detailed explanation-5: -Eggshell Membrane is the thin membrane on the inside of an eggshell. Its prime constituent is protein and it has a two layered, reticulated structures. The exterior is rough, while the interior structure is dense.