The Skeletal System of ARthropoda
Arthropoda is one on the most diverse phylums. The phylum includes insects, crustaceans, Spiders, Scorpions, and centipedes. About 84% of all known species are a part of this phylum. Arthropoda are invertabrates characterized by their jointed body, a pair of jointed appendages, and an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton is mainly made of Chitin and protein, which is why the exoskeleton is so strong.
Horseshoe Crab (Limulidae)
It is made up of three sections; the prosoma or head, the opisthosoma or middle section, and the telson or tail. none of these sections are seen because they are underneath its exoskeleton. The Horseshoe crabs wears its exoskeleton much like a human would wear body armor. When the horseshoe crab needs to grow, it sheds its exoskeleton and begins to grow a new one. This is called Molting. These exoskeletons or shells also provide many things that the horseshoe crab needs to live. i.e it provides muscle support.
It is made up of three sections; the prosoma or head, the opisthosoma or middle section, and the telson or tail. none of these sections are seen because they are underneath its exoskeleton. The Horseshoe crabs wears its exoskeleton much like a human would wear body armor. When the horseshoe crab needs to grow, it sheds its exoskeleton and begins to grow a new one. This is called Molting. These exoskeletons or shells also provide many things that the horseshoe crab needs to live. i.e it provides muscle support.
Widow Spider (Latrodectus)
Spiders or Arachnids skeletal system is mostly their outermost layer and also an exoskeleton. All spiders have eight legs. Spiders are characterized as jointed-leg invertebrate animals. while the exoskeleton provides both support and protection for spiders, they also have an internal structure called the endosternite. This structure helps anchor down the muscles of the spider.
Spiders or Arachnids skeletal system is mostly their outermost layer and also an exoskeleton. All spiders have eight legs. Spiders are characterized as jointed-leg invertebrate animals. while the exoskeleton provides both support and protection for spiders, they also have an internal structure called the endosternite. This structure helps anchor down the muscles of the spider.
Centipede (Chilopoda)
Like all other Arthropods, they lack internal skeletons. Have an exoskeleton which protects itself and attaches to the muscles. Unlike most other Arthropods, they do not have a waxy outer cuticle. This is a disadvantage because it leaves them vulnerable to water. Centipedes can have anywhere from 15 to 150 legs. The centipede has a segmented body which is flattened horizontally. This allows them to wedge themselves into tight spots in search or prey.
Like all other Arthropods, they lack internal skeletons. Have an exoskeleton which protects itself and attaches to the muscles. Unlike most other Arthropods, they do not have a waxy outer cuticle. This is a disadvantage because it leaves them vulnerable to water. Centipedes can have anywhere from 15 to 150 legs. The centipede has a segmented body which is flattened horizontally. This allows them to wedge themselves into tight spots in search or prey.