Before delving into the characteristics of various types of arrows, several fundamental words should be understood. The shaft refers to the arrow's cylindrical primary body. All of the arrow's other components are fastened to the shaft. The nock is the point on the arrow where the bowstring is attached. The broadhead is the part that goes into the animal. It consists of two or more blades that open like a fan when released from the archer's bow. An arrow has three main parts: the head, the shaft, and the fletching. The head contains the projectile (if one is used). Glass, stone, metal, and plastic are all used for making heads. The shaft is the solid central portion of the arrow that connects the head to the fletching. It can be made of wood, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or steel. Arrows with wooden shafts are usually given a coat of paint or varnish to protect them against weather conditions and insect damage. Fiberglass and carbon fiber shafts are often colored black to match the rest of the bow. Steel shafts are usually painted red or black. The fletching is the term used to describe the feathers, dowels, and other objects used to decorate the end of the shaft. They're usually placed in an alternating pattern of rings and slots to provide stability while also allowing the feathers to move when shot.