epicuticle
anatomy
Quick Summary
Arthropod integument
Diagrammatic section through the arthropod integument.
The epicuticle is the outermost layer of the cuticle in arthropods, such as insects and crustaceans. This tough outer layer is secreted by the epidermis and plays a crucial role in preventing water loss, especially for terrestrial arthropods. The epicuticle contains waxy compounds that significantly reduce evaporative water loss and can also act as a water repellent. This layer is peripheral to the main chitinous part of the cuticle.123
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