appendage

anatomy

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June 18, 2026

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An appendage is a part of an animal's body that is attached to the main body. This can include limbs, antennae, or mouthparts. In vertebrates, tails and limbs are significant appendages that develop from specialized structures in the embryo. For example, the leg is an appendage used for support and locomotion.123

The term "appendicular" specifically relates to appendages, particularly limbs. In crustaceans, appendages are highly diverse and are thought to have evolved from ancestral limb structures. These appendages can vary greatly in form and function, changing throughout the animal's life cycle. Some appendages, like those of a salamander or a sea squirt, can regrow if removed.451

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skeleton
General features
Paired appendages are not found in ancestral vertebrates and are not present in the modern cyclostomes (e.g., lampreys, hagfishes). Appendages first appeared during the early evolution of the fishes. Usually two pairs of appendages are present, fins in fish and limbs in land vertebrates. Each appendage…
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Paired appendages are not found in ancestral vertebrates and are not present in the modern cyclostomes (e.g., lampreys, hagfishes). Appendages first appeared during the early evolution of the fishes. Usually two pairs of appendages are present, fins in fish and limbs in land vertebrates. Each appendage…
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arthropod
Muscles, appendages, and locomotion
Arthropods are unusual among invertebrates; they lack locomotory cilia, even as larvae. The problem that a rigid external covering imposes on movement has been solved by having the exoskeleton divided into plates over the body and through a series of cylinders around…
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Arthropods are unusual among invertebrates; they lack locomotory cilia, even as larvae. The problem that a rigid external covering imposes on movement has been solved by having the exoskeleton divided into plates over the body and through a series of cylinders around…
Read More