Carapace

The term carapace refers to a dorsal section of an exoskeleton or shell, in a number of animal groups.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In crustaceans, the carapace is a part of the exoskeleton that covers the cephalothorax. It is particularly well developed in lobsters and crabs. It functions as a protective cover of the cephalothorax.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Crustacea: REDIRECT crustacean...

Exoskeleton: An exoskeleton, in contrast to an endoskeleton, is an external anatomical feature that supports and protects an animal's body. Many invertebrate animals such as insects, crustaceans and shellfish have exoskeletons. Lobsters, for example, have tough outer shell systems which provide rigidity and shap...

Cephalothorax: The cephalothorax is an anatomical term used of arachnid and malacostracan arthropods for the first major body section. It is derived from the fusion of the head (cephalon) and the trunk (thorax), and therefore includes all the mouthparts, antennae, and the thoracic appendages, such as the legs of a...