Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
opisthosoma
Noun
/əˌpɪs.θəˈsoʊ.mə/
Definition
The posterior part of the body of certain arthropods, particularly arachnids.
Examples
- The opisthosoma of a spider is where the abdomen is located.
- In scorpions, the opisthosoma is often segmented and may have a tail and stinger.
- A tick’s opisthosoma can expand significantly when it feeds on blood.
Meaning
In arachnids, the opisthosoma is the region that contains the internal organs, usually located behind the cephalothorax.
Synonyms
- Abdomen
- Posterior body segment
