Vibrissa is a term used to describe the whiskers or tactile hairs that grow around the nose, mouth, and chin of many mammals, including cats, dogs, and rats. These hairs are a critical sensory organ that helps animals navigate their surroundings by detecting vibrations and movements in their environment. Synonyms for vibrissa include mystacial hair, sensory whisker, tactile hair, vibrissae, and whisker. These hairs may vary in length, thickness, and sensitivity depending on the animal's species and habitat. While vibrissae are commonly associated with rodents and carnivores, other animals, such as seals and shrews, also have specialized tactile hairs that serve a similar purpose.