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Animal Body Parts

Parts of a Crab in English with Pictures

Crabs are a type of crustacean with a hard exoskeleton and ten legs. In this post, you will explore the various parts of a crab and their functions. Whether you are a seafood lover or simply curious about marine life, learning about the parts of a crab is a great way to appreciate their complexity and beauty. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the parts of a crab!

Parts of a Crab

Parts of a Crab with PicturesPin
Parts of a Crab with Pictures – Created by 7ESL
  • Claw or chela
  • Antenna
  • Eyes
  • Dactyl
  • Carpus
  • Cephalothorax
  • Abdomen
  • Swimming legs
  • Walking legs
  • Merus
  • Propodus

Crab Parts with Examples

Learn these crab parts names to improve and enhance your vocabulary words in English about animal body parts.

Crab Anatomy with PicturesPin
Crab Anatomy with Pictures – Created by 7ESL

Claw or chela

The claw/chela of the crab is so powerful that it can even break through the shells of other crabs.

Antenna

The crab’s antennae can be regenerated if they are damaged or lost, allowing the crab to continue to survive and thrive.

Eyes

The crab’s eyes are able to detect polarized light, which helps it to navigate and orient itself in the water.

Dactyl

The crab’s dactyl is incredibly strong and can crush even the toughest shells.

Carpus

The carpus is located at the end of the crab’s walking legs, just before the claw.

Cephalothorax

The cephalothorax contains many of the crab’s vital organs, including its brain, heart, and digestive system.

Abdomen

The abdomen of the crab is flexible, allowing the crab to curl up into a ball for protection.

Swimming legs

The swimming legs, also known as appendages, are located on the abdomen of the crab.

Walking legs

The walking legs of the crab are an essential part of its anatomy, allowing it to navigate both land and sea environments.

A1 Knowledge Check · 5 questions

Parts of a Crab in English with Pictures — Practice Quiz

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: Which part of a crab is also called a 'chela'?

Question 1 options
The claw of a crab is also known as the chela. It is so powerful that it can break through the shells of other crabs.
Q2

Question 2: The cephalothorax contains the crab's brain, heart, and digestive system.

Question 2 options
This is true. The cephalothorax houses many of the crab's vital organs, including its brain, heart, and digestive system.
Q3

Question 3: The crab uses its ___ to detect polarized light and navigate in the water.

Question 3 options
The crab's eyes are able to detect polarized light, which helps it navigate and orient itself in the water.
Q4

Question 4: Match each crab body part to its description or function.

Question 4 options
Abdomen
Antennae
Swimming legs
Walking legs
Flexible; curls up for protection
Help navigate land and sea
Can regenerate if damaged or lost
Located on the abdomen

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

The abdomen is flexible for protection. Antennae can regenerate if lost. Swimming legs are located on the abdomen. Walking legs help the crab move on land and in the sea.
Q5

Question 5: The carpus is located at the end of the crab's walking legs, just before the ___.

Question 5 options
The carpus is located just before the claw on the crab's walking legs.

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