procuticle

anatomy

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July 13, 2026

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The procuticle is a layer of the arthropod exoskeleton, which is the external covering secreted by the epidermis. This procuticle is primarily composed of chitin fibers embedded in a protein matrix. In many crustaceans, calcium salts are also incorporated into the procuticle, making it harder.123

The exoskeleton serves to protect the body and provide attachment points for muscles. It is shed periodically to allow for growth, a process called molting or ecdysis. During molting, the old exoskeleton is broken down and reabsorbed, while a new, larger one is secreted beneath it. This process is controlled by hormones.312

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arthropod
The exoskeleton and molting
…thick, inner, chitin–protein layer, the procuticle. In most terrestrial arthropods, such as insects and spiders, the epicuticle contains waxes that aid in reducing evaporative water loss. The procuticle consists of an outer exocuticle and an inner endocuticle. In the exocuticle there is cross-bonding of the chitin–protein chains (tanning), which provides…
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…thick, inner, chitin–protein layer, the procuticle. In most terrestrial arthropods, such as insects and spiders, the epicuticle contains waxes that aid in reducing evaporative water loss. The procuticle consists of an outer exocuticle and an inner endocuticle. In the exocuticle there is cross-bonding of the chitin–protein chains (tanning), which provides…
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crustacean
Exoskeleton
…the thicker innermost layers, or procuticle. The procuticle is made up of layers of chitin fibres intermeshed with proteins and, in many species, with calcium salts.
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…the thicker innermost layers, or procuticle. The procuticle is made up of layers of chitin fibres intermeshed with proteins and, in many species, with calcium salts.
Read More