Multiple joints allow circular movement: crustaceans

1 of 1 Eudiaptomus vulgaris / Tigerente / License

Limbs of crustaceans allow movement along several planes by clustering two or three joints on a limb, each working in a different direction.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Prosthetic limbs; robotics.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The limbs, which are tubular and jointed, are operated by internal muscles. These extend from the end of one section, along its length, to a prong from the next section which projects across the joint. When the muscle contracts between these two attachment points, the limb hinges. Such joints can only move in one plane, but crustaceans deal with that limitation by grouping two or three on a limb, sometimes close together, each working in a different plane so that the end of the limb can move in a complete circle." (Attenborough 1979:58)

About the inspiring organism

Arthropoda
Arthropoda

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Prosthetic limbs; robotics.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Medical

References

Attenborough, David. 1979. Life on Earth. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company. 319 p.

Multiple joints allow circular movement: crustaceans

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