Tentacle
Tentacle
Tentacle (/tɛnˈtækəl/) is a flexible, elongated organ present in some species of animals, particularly invertebrates.
Etymology
The term "tentacle" is derived from the Latin word tentaculum, which means "feeler" or "stinger".
Definition
A tentacle is typically used for feeling, grasping, or moving about, often with the ability to contract and extend. In some animals, tentacles are used for capturing prey or for defensive purposes. They can be covered with suckers, hooks, or spines, and can vary greatly in size and complexity depending on the species.
Related Terms
- Cephalopod: A class of marine animals that includes species with prominent tentacles, such as octopuses and squids.
- Polyp: A type of invertebrate that often has tentacles, such as sea anemones and corals.
- Nematocyst: A specialized cell found in the tentacles of cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, etc.) that is used for capturing prey.
- Siphonophore: A class of marine animals that includes species with long, trailing tentacles, such as the Portuguese man o' war.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tentacle
- Wikipedia's article - Tentacle
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