Difference between Endoskeleton and Exoskeleton | Endoskeleton vs Exoskeleton

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Paper : Medical Differences FAQs | Platform : Vs or Differences FAQs | Category : General FAQs

Answer may be:

Skeleton as we all know forms the basic framework of the body and helps in defining the shape of the body and protect the internal organs. It also helps in the movement of the body. Skeletons can be of two types.

What is Endoskeleton?

It is the skeleton inside the body of living organisms eg Vertebrates like birds, fish, amphibians, mammals.

What is Exoskeleton?

It is a hard outer coating that gives shape to the body and also helps in protecting organisms from their predators. It exists as scales or calcified shells and cuticles. It is found in organisms like grasshoppers, crabs, cockroaches, etc.

Insects are other examples of organisms having exoskeletons made of chitin. Wings are attached to the exoskeleton with the help of muscles.

Given below are the key differences between the two:

Endoskeleton	Exoskeleton
Skeleton is present inside the body.	Skeleton is present outside the body.
Bones and cartilages form endoskeleton.	Scales, calcified shell, and cuticle form exoskeleton.
It is found in invertebrates.	It is found mainly in arthropods like insects, spiders, crabs, etc.
Endoskeleton is a living structure and grows with the body.	It is a non-living structure and does not grow.
Animals with an endoskeleton do not go through molting.	They undergo molting many times in their life cycle.