Median apophysis

Pronunciation: /MEE-dee-an a-POH-fi-sis/

Category: Anatomy

Singular: Median apophysis

Plural: Median apophyses

Definition

A sclerotized (hardened) structure on the male spider's palp, which assists in transferring sperm to the female during mating.

Etymology

Derived from Latin 'medianus', meaning 'in the middle', and 'apophysis', meaning 'an outgrowth or projection'.

Example

The median apophysis plays a crucial role in the mating process of many spider species by helping to secure the female during spermatophore transfer.

Related Terms

Palp
Sperm transfer
Sclerite
Pedipalp

Usage Notes

The median apophysis is a critical morphological feature in the identification of many male spider species. Its shape and structure can vary significantly between species.