MESEUSTERNUM Meaning and
Definition
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Meseusternum is a term used predominantly in entomology to refer to a specific anatomical feature found in insects. Specifically, it refers to a specialized sternite, which is a ventral plate or sclerite located on the undersurface of an insect's body segment. The meseusternum is one of these ventral plates found on the mesonotum, the middle segment of an insect's thorax.
The meseusternum is typically triangular or trapezoidal in shape and is positioned between the mesonotum and the mesepimeron, which is another sclerite on the lateral portion of an insect's thorax. It serves as an attachment site for various muscles involved in the movement and control of the wings, playing an essential role in the insect's flight capabilities.
In addition to its crucial function in wing movement, the meseusternum also provides support and stability to the thoracic region. By connecting the mesonotum and the mesepimeron, it contributes to the structural integrity of the middle thoracic segment.
The term "meseusternum" is derived from the combination of "meso-" which refers to the middle segment and "sternum," which signifies the ventral plate. This anatomical term allows entomologists and other researchers to accurately describe and identify this specific structure when studying insect morphology and conducting taxonomic investigations.
Common Misspellings for MESEUSTERNUM
