Cephalothorax
Cephalothorax
Cephalothorax (pronunciation: /ˌsɛfəloʊˈθɔːræks/) is a term used in Zoology to describe a distinct body section found in certain Arthropods. The term is derived from the Greek words 'kephale' meaning head, and 'thorax' meaning chest.
Definition
The Cephalothorax, also known as the prosoma, is a body section that is a fusion of the head and thorax. This is a common feature in many Arachnids, Crustaceans, and some Insects. It is covered by a single, unsegmented carapace.
Function
In the Cephalothorax, the head region typically contains the animal's eyes, mouth, and brain, while the thoracic region houses the organs for locomotion and sensation. The appendages on the Cephalothorax can serve various functions, including feeding, sensory perception, and locomotion.
Related Terms
- Carapace: The hard protective covering over the Cephalothorax.
- Arthropod: An invertebrate animal having an exoskeleton, a segmented body, and paired jointed appendages.
- Arachnid: A class of joint-legged invertebrate animals, in the subphylum Chelicerata.
- Crustacean: A large, diverse group of arthropods, including crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and barnacles.
- Insect: A class of invertebrates within the arthropod phylum that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body, three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and one pair of antennae.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cephalothorax
- Wikipedia's article - Cephalothorax
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