abdomen

Definition

The posterior part of an insect's or arachnid's body, behind the thorax, typically containing the digestive, reproductive, and excretory organs.

Etymology

From Latin 'abdomen', meaning 'belly' or 'paunch'.

Example

The spider's silk glands are located in its abdomen.

Synonyms

• belly
• venter

Related Terms

• thorax
• cephalothorax
• gaster

Usage Notes

In insects, the abdomen typically consists of multiple segmented parts and can house various systems such as respiratory (tracheae) and reproductive organs.