ANATOMY CUMI-CUMI

anatomy of an octopus

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ink sac 

Reservoir containing an ink-producing gland; when threatened, the octopus releases the ink through the siphon into the water to hide its flight.

anus 

Terminal orifice of the digestive tract enabling ejection of fecal matter.

gill 

Respiratory organ located in the dorsal mantle cavity and covered with ciliated cells; muscles help to circulate water through the gills.

kidney 

Organ secreting urine; it eliminates toxic substances from the body.

heart 

Muscular organ helping blood to circulate.

gonad 

Genital gland producing spermatozoa (sperm) or ova (eggs), depending on the sex of the mollusk.

cecum 

Lateral canal located in the anterior portion of the intestine where especially a part of digestion and fermentation take place.

stomach 

Dilated section of the digestive tract preceding the intestine; it receives food to be digested.

shell 

Small internal calcareous structure produced by the mantle; certain species do not have shells.

dorsal mantle cavity 

Chamber formed of folds of the mantle; it contains the main organs, especially the gills, and connects to the outside.

mantle muscles 

Muscles contracting to force water out of the dorsal mantle cavity through the siphon and allowing the octopus to propel itself through the water.

digestive gland 

Organ producing a secretion that contributes to digestion.

crop 

Large sac located beyond the esophagus, where food is held before being digested in the stomach.

poison gland 

Organ producing an acidic secretion that forms the venom, which the octopus injects into its prey through its beak.

beak 

Corneous formation consisting of a jaw capable of crushing, and allowing the octopus to catch its prey and inject it with venom.

skull 

Bony structure enclosing and protecting the brain.

brain 

Main organ of the nervous system; it is located in the head.