Carapace
Carapace
Carapace (/kærəˌpeɪs/) is a term used in zoology to describe a protective, shell-like covering, or shield, that covers the dorsal (back) part of an animal.
Etymology
The term 'carapace' is derived from the French word 'carapace', which itself is from the Spanish 'carapacho'. The Spanish term is of uncertain origin, but it may be a compound of 'cara' (face) and 'pacho' (cloak).
Definition
A carapace is a hard, protective covering that is found in many animals, including turtles, crabs, and scorpions. It serves to protect the animal's internal organs and provides a form of defense against predators. The carapace is typically composed of chitin, a strong and flexible material, or calcium carbonate, which provides additional strength and rigidity.
Related Terms
- Exoskeleton: An external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body, in contrast to the internal skeleton (endoskeleton) of humans and other vertebrates.
- Plastron: The nearly flat part of the shell structure of a turtle, what one would call the belly, the ventral (front) part.
- Chitin: A fibrous substance consisting of polysaccharides, which is the major constituent in the exoskeleton of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.
- Calcium Carbonate: A common substance found in rocks, and the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, and eggshells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Carapace
- Wikipedia's article - Carapace
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