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integument

Classification
Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
No Taxon (Glossary)
No Taxon (I)
No Taxon integument
Pronunciation
in-TEG-yoo-ment
Explanation of Names
From Latin integumentum, covering.
Identification
integument noun - the "skin" and "skeleton" of an insect or other arthropod. It is a multi-layered organ composed of epithelial cells and their secreted products, especially the tough biological polymers forming the exoskeleton, principally chitin and sclerotins (dark, cross-linked proteins that permeate the chitinious structure). The integument gives the arthropod its external form and coloration.
See Also
integument (exuviae)
Print References
Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 476 (1)
Internet References
Wikitionary--integument
Works Cited
1.A Dictionary of Entomology
George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.