second maxillae
Quick Summary
In crustaceans, the second maxillae are paired appendages located behind the first maxillae. These appendages are part of the mouthparts and play a role in handling food. In some crustaceans, like cirripedes, the second maxillae, along with the mandibles, help masticate food before it enters the digestive system. Salivary glands often connect to the second maxillae, secreting substances that help bind food particles together. In insects, structures homologous to the crustacean second maxillae collectively form the labium, or lower lip.12
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