noun
- The basal segment or limb of a crustacean appendage, typically consisting of two joints (coxa and basis) from which other segments branch.
Usage: zoology; technical term used in the study of crustacean anatomy
Examples
- The protopod of the crab's walking leg bears the endopod and exopod.
- In crustacean morphology, the protopod serves as the attachment point for other limb segments.
- Zoologists examine the protopod to classify different crustacean species.
- The protopod articulates with the body wall of the organism.