What is "parapodium"

Parapodium \Par`a*po"di*um\, n.; pl. Parapodia. [NL., fr. Gr. para` beside + ?, dim. of ? foot.] (Zo["o]l.) One of the lateral appendages of an annelid; -- called also foot tubercle.

Note: They may serve for locomotion, respiration, and sensation, and often contain spines or set[ae]. When well developed, a dorsal part, or notopodium, and a ventral part, or neuropodium, are distinguished.

n. (context zoology English) Paired unjointed lateral outgrowths used for locomotion by worms such as annelids.

1. n. one of a pair of fleshy appendages of a polychete annelid that functions in locomotion and breathing

2. [also: parapodia (pl)]

The term parapodium ( Gr. para, beyond or beside + podia, feet) refers to two different organs. In annelids, parapodia are paired, un-jointed lateral outgrowths that bear the chaetae. In several clades of sea snails and sea slugs, 'parapodium' refers to lateral fleshy protrusions.

'Parapodium ' is a genus of flowering plants of the family Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1838. It is native to South Africa.

1. Parapodium costatum E.Mey. - South Africa
2. Parapodium crispum N.E.Br. - South Africa
3. Parapodium simile N.E.Br. - South Africa