tentáculos

Tentáculos is a term of Latin origin referring to the flexible, prehensile appendages found in various animals. These structures are primarily used for locomotion, feeding, and sensory perception. The anatomy of a tentacle can vary significantly between species, but they generally consist of a muscular stalk often lined with suckers or specialized adhesive cells.

In cephalopods, such as octopuses and squids, tentacles are highly developed and crucial for their survival. An octopus typically has eight arms, which are often referred to as tentacles, equipped with hundreds of suckers that allow for a strong grip on prey and surfaces. Squids possess two longer tentacles in addition to their eight arms, used for capturing prey from a distance.

Beyond marine invertebrates, tentacles are also present in other animal groups. Some cnidarians, like jellyfish and sea anemones, use their tentacles armed with stinging cells called nematocysts to capture food and defend themselves. Certain gastropods, like snails, have retractable tentacles on their heads that serve as sensory organs, housing eyes and chemoreceptors. The term tentacle can also be used metaphorically to describe any long, flexible appendage or influence that extends or reaches out.