Sternum (arthropod anatomy)
The sternum (pl.: sterna) is the ventral portion of a segment of an arthropod thorax or abdomen.
In
genitalia, in which case they are frequently reduced in size and development, and may become internalized and/or membranous. For a detailed explanation of the terminology, see [2]
Kinorhynchs have tergal and sternal plates too, though seemingly not homologous with those of arthropods.[3]
Ventrites are externally visible sternites. Usually the first sternite is covered up, so that ventrite numbers do not correspond to sternite numbers.
The term is also used in other arthropod groups such as
pleopods (swimming legs). In spiders, the sternum is the ventral part of the cephalothorax
.
See also
Tergite
References
- ISBN 978-0-86720-017-1.
- JSTOR 2411977.
- ^ Sørensen, M. V. et al. Phylogeny of Kinorhyncha based on morphology and two molecular loci. PLoS One 10, 1–33 (2015).