The exoskeleton can develop like a shell.
The notion of exoskeleton is used in the field of zoology . It is formed with a compositional element exo- (which refers to what is on the outside or outside) and the noun skeleton (referring to the set of resistant and solid pieces that, articulated together, protect the organs and provide stability and firmness to the body. body of an animal).
As can be seen from its components, the term exoskeleton refers to an external structure that covers the body surface of an organism . Also known as the dermatoskeleton , it is a hardened and thickened part of the skin that can be constituted as a carapace , a shell , a cutaneous bone plate or scales depending on the species.
Exoskeleton formation
The exoskeleton is formed in different ways depending on the type of animal . It can develop due to the generation of ossified or calcified elements in the dermis, as occurs in fish and various reptiles , for example.
Another possibility is that calcareous or chitinous substances accumulate on the epidermis and thus a shell or shell emerges. This process is evident in arthropods , mollusks and coelenterates .
It should be noted that there are animals that, in addition to an exoskeleton, have an endoskeleton or neuroskeleton : a cartilaginous or bony skeleton that provides protection to a central nervous system . Armadillos or mulitas present this duality.
Its functions
The basic function of an exoskeleton is to protect the soft parts of the body. In any case, it also provides other benefits linked to supporting the muscular system and breathing .
It is interesting to note that the exoskeleton, in addition to covering the external surface, also expands inside the body . It can enter the digestive tract, participate in food processing and even form the lenses of the eyes , depending on the type of organism.
In fiction, Tony Stark uses an artificial exoskeleton that turns him into Iron Man.
The shedding of exoskeleton
In the case of arthropods (such as spiders and insects ), these animals carry out a molt known as ecdysis . Since the exoskeleton does not grow, they have to discard it and create a new one periodically.
For ecdysis, the arthropod produces an enzyme that allows the dissolution of the internal area of the exoskeleton. Simultaneously, it makes a new skeleton under the previous one, which, at first, is soft. Therefore, until the brand new exoskeleton hardens, the specimen is in danger as its vulnerability increases.
an artificial structure
It should be noted that an exoskeleton is also called a structure manufactured by humans that performs similar or analogous functions to those of the exoskeleton of animals. Sometimes these artificial exoskeletons serve as armor .
In the military field, exoskeletons are often researched and experimental tests are carried out. Medicine , meanwhile, can use exoskeletons to reverse physical limitations resulting from certain injuries or a stroke.
We can find a clear example of an artificial exoskeleton in fiction . The character Tony Stark , protagonist of Marvel comics and movies, creates an exoskeleton that allows him to become Iron Man , a superhero who has multiple technological tools at his disposal.