1. In arthropods, the lateral region of a body segment, located between the dorsal tergum and the ventral sternum.
Usage: zoology; entomology; anatomy
2. In crustaceans, the side wall of the body or a segment, often bearing appendages.
Usage: zoology; marine biology

Examples

• The insect's pleuron is the lateral sclerite that connects the leg to the body.
• In crustacean anatomy, the pleuron forms part of the exoskeleton's side wall.
• The pleuron of each thoracic segment bears the walking legs in insects.
• Zoologists examine the pleuron to classify arthropod species.
• The pleuron is distinct from the tergum and sternum in segmented arthropods.