epimeron
Epimeron is a term used in arthropod anatomy to describe a lateral plate or sclerite on a body segment, forming part of the pleuron. It is commonly encountered in crustaceans and hexapods, where the pleuron is subdivided into distinct plates that provide attachment surfaces for muscles and contribute to the segmental exoskeleton. The word derives from Greek roots meaning “upon part.”
In crustaceans, the pleuron of each body segment is typically divided by a pleural suture into an
In insects, the pleuron similarly comprises episternum and epimeron, though the exact boundaries and prominence of
Overall, the epimeron serves as a functional and diagnostic component of the arthropod exoskeleton, reflecting segmental