Arthroderm

/ˈɑːrθroʊˌdɜːrm/ noun

Definition

The outer skin or membrane covering a joint, or relating to the joint surface in arthropods.

Etymology

From Greek 'arthron' (joint) + 'derma' (skin). The term can refer either to human joint covering or to the outer cuticle of arthropod segments.

Kelly Says

Crustaceans and insects have joints that look completely different from ours because their 'arthroderm' (jointed skin) is an external exoskeleton that they have to shed entirely to grow.

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