The cephalothorax consists of the cephalic (or head) region and the thoracic region. The part of the exoskeleton that covers the cephalothorax is called the carapace. The abdomen is located behind the cephalothorax and consists of six clearly divided segments. The cephalothorax consists of 3 segments.

What is the function of the cephalothorax in a crayfish?

The cephalothorax It protects their vital organs of any crayfish (brain, heart, stomach, bladder, testicular, or ovarian). Note: If we look at the carapace from above, we can see the groove, that separates the head and chest regions. This separation is nominal because head-chest areas are basically ‘fused’ together.

How many appendages do crayfish have?

Crayfish have 19 pairs of appendages, all built according to the same basic pattern but serving diverse…

What are the functions of Maxillipeds?

Maxillipeds are appendages modified to function as mouthparts. Particularly in the less advanced decapods, these can be very similar to the pereiopods. Pereiopods are primarily walking legs and are also used for gathering food.

What is the main difference between the cephalothorax and the abdomen?

The abdomen is located behind the cephalothorax and consists of six clearly divided segments. The cephalothorax consists of 3 segments. Each segment of both the cephalothorax and the abdomen contains a pair of appendages. The head (or cephalic) region has five pairs of appendages.

Are crayfish Antennules Biramous?

Crustaceans have biramous appendages. Many groups of crustaceans have lost this extra appendage during subsequent evolution. The Order Decapoda have five pair of walking legs, and include the familiar crabs, lobsters, and crayfish. The first pair of appendages are usually modified as antennae.

What are Tagmata of a crayfish?

One of two major body sections of a crayfish. Consists of two tagmata: the head and the thorax. The most anterior pair of walking legs of a crayfish that end in large pincers used for capturing food and for defense. telson. The unpaired, terminal abdominal segment of crustaceans.

How many rows of maxillipeds Do crayfish have?

Focus on the head, you may notice small appendages around the mouth. These are called the MAXILLIPEDS, and there are three sets, one on top of the other. On the photo below you can see the topmost maxillipeds. These appendages help the crayfish manipulate food.

What is the function of the Telson?

What is the function of the telson? It is the tail – it allows the crayfish to escape enemies and is also used for swimming.

How many segments and appendages are there in the cephalothorax?

The cephalothorax consists of 13 segments. Each segment of both the cephalothorax and the abdomen contains a pair of appendages. The head (or cephalic) region has five pairs of appendages. The antennules are organs of balance, touch, and taste.

How many antennae does the crayfish have?

Crayfish have two pairs of antennae. The short pair are called antennules. Antennules are used to taste the water and food.

What are the maxillipeds?

(Science: zoology) One of the mouth appendages of crustacea, situated next behind the maxillae. Crabs have three pairs, but many of the lower Crustacea have but one pair of them. Synonym: jawfoot, and foot jaw.

How do maxillipeds help crayfish eat?

Two pairs of maxillae hold solid food, tear it, and pass it to the mouth. Of the eight pairs of appendages on the cephalothorax, the first three are maxillipeds, which hold food during eating. The chelipeds are the large claws that the crayfish uses for defense and to capture prey.

What animals have maxillipeds?

crustaceans. These limbs are called maxillipeds. In the decapods there are three sets of paired maxillipeds. In the copepods the maxillipeds are followed by four pairs of swimming legs; a fifth pair is sometimes highly modified for reproductive purposes and is sometimes reduced to a mere vestige.