Tagma
- Pronunciation
- /TAG-muh/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- Tagma
- Plural
- Tagmata
Definition
A specialized grouping of multiple segments or metameres into a coherently functional morphological unit in arthropods.
Etymology
From the Greek 'tagma', meaning 'something arranged or ordered'.
Example
In insects, the body is divided into three tagmata: the head, thorax, and abdomen.
Synonyms
- Body region
- Segmented unit
Related Terms
- Metamere
- Segment
- Morphology
Usage Notes
Tagmata typically have specialized functions, such as sensory input in the head, locomotion in the thorax, and digestion in the abdomen of insects.