Cibarium

/sɪˈbeɪriəm/ noun

Definition

In insects and crustaceans, a chamber or structure in the head region that is part of the feeding apparatus, where food is manipulated before swallowing.

Etymology

From Latin 'cibarium' meaning dining room or eating place, from 'cibus' (food). Scientists adopted the term to describe the food-processing chamber in small organisms.

Kelly Says

The cibarium is basically an insect's tongue and mouth combined—it's where a mosquito or fly literally tastes and processes its food before sending it down to the stomach.

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