Squid: The Inside Story
What supports a squid's body?
As an invertebrate, a squid has no bones. A feather-shaped blade, or
gladius, helps support the body and serves as a site for muscle
attachment. It is made of chitin, like your fingernails. Cartilage
(tough, gristle-like tissue) surrounds a squid's brain.
Photo label: Gladius from the giant squid, Architeuthis dux
Photo Credit: Frederick Aldrich/Memorial Univeristy of Newfoundland
What do these three things have in common?
Squid tentacle
Elephant trunk
Human tongue
None have bones.
The muscles attach to and pull against each
other. Move your tongue to feel how.
