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trunk

zoology
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Quick Summary

The trunk of an elephant is a highly versatile organ, serving as an extension of its nose and upper lip. It is composed of approximately 16 muscles, allowing for both immense power and delicate dexterity. Elephants use their trunks for a variety of essential functions, including breathing, drinking, and eating. They can suck up to 10 liters of water to squirt into their mouths and use the trunk to grasp food like grasses, leaves, and fruits. The trunk also plays a role in communication, producing various sounds, and in sensory perception, acting as an "olfactory periscope" to detect smells. Additionally, elephants use their trunks to spray water, mud, or dust on themselves for cooling and protection.1

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. What Are Elephant Trunks Used For?
  2. elephant
  3. proboscidean

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