| exoskeleton | <cell biology> A skeleton, or support structure, which supports the organisms body from the outside and is formed from the ectoderm. All arthropods (spiders, insects, crustaceans, horseshoe crabs, etc.) possess one. Compare: endoskeleton. Any structure that is formed from the ectoderm in vertebrates, like nails, claws, hair, fur, horns, or teeth. (Note: does not include skin, which is an organ.) (09 Oct 1997) |
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