It is known for exoskeleton to a rigid structure or frame that protects the interior of some animals and even allows the body to be molded and shaped. For this reason, it is distributed covering the entire body, also covering the legs and appendages such as antennae.
Animals with exoskeletons usually have growth phases, in which they must molt or change their outer lining for a new, larger one.
Types of exoskeleton
This skeleton can have various types of composition, which affects its properties and external characteristics.
Chitin exoskeleton. Chitin is a carbohydrate formed by N-acetylglucosamine, which acquires a spatial conformation similar to that of cellulose, which allows it to acquire great resistance. Animals that have their body covered by a chitin exoskeleton include arthropods, these constitute the most abundant phylum in the animal kingdom. Within this group are spiders, scorpions, crustaceans such as crabs, myriapods such as centipedes, and insects including flies and cockroaches.
Exoskeleton formed by calcium carbonate. Other members of the animal kingdom that are covered by an exoskeleton include mollusks and corals, in this case their coating is mainly made up of calcium carbonate, which is an important component of various types of rocks (including limestone and marble), as well as various types of minerals, which allows us to understand the magnitude of their resistance.
Bone-type exoskeleton. A third type of exoskeleton is one that has a composition similar to bones and cartilage, in which a mineral matrix made up mainly of calcium is combined with an organic matrix rich in collagen. This type of exoskeleton is present in animals such as turtles, snakes, and crocodiles.
Technology based on the exoskeleton model
Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the development of new technologies, including the design of robotic exoskeletons to adapt them to parts of the human body, in order to compensate for failures or deficiencies capable of causing disability.
These artificial exoskeletons are used primarily to provide support and support for gait, allowing the person using them to carry out actions such as walking. These developments are still in the early stages, however, they show promise especially in enabling children affected by currently incurable neurological diseases, such as cerebral palsy and spinal muscular atrophy, to walk, which can be controlled by impulses originating in the brain.
Photos: Fotolia - macrovector / arkela
