GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -arthropods. …in arthropods by molting, or ecdysis, the periodic shedding of the old exoskeleton. The underlying cells release enzymes that digest the base of the old exoskeleton (much of the endocuticle) and then secrete a new exoskeleton beneath the old one.

Detailed explanation-2: -Arthropods shed their exoskeletons as they grow, a process called ecdysis or moulting, and this behaviour is controlled by a set of hormones and small protein-like molecules called neuropeptides that allow communication between neurons.

Detailed explanation-3: -Molting is the shedding of the exoskeleton (cuticle) of the previous life stage. Without molting, an insect cannot grow. Once a new cuticle is fully formed, an insect engages in species-specific stereotyped patterns of movements (molting behaviors) that liberate it from the cuticle of the previous stage.

Detailed explanation-4: -Arthropods are covered with a tough, resilient integument or exoskeleton of chitin. Generally the exoskeleton will have thickened areas in which the chitin is reinforced or stiffened by materials such as minerals or hardened proteins.

Detailed explanation-5: -Some arthropods, such as most spiders and insects, stop molting when they reach sexual maturity; others, like lobsters and crabs, molt throughout their lives. Most of the larger spiders of temperate regions, for example, molt about 10 times before reaching sexual maturity.