epicranium

[ ep-i-krey-nee-uhm ]

noun

, plural ep·i·cra·ni·a [ep-i-, krey, -nee-, uh].

1. Anatomy. the layer of scalp formed by muscle and flattened tendon.
2. Entomology. the top of the head in insects, usually including the frons, genae, and vertex.

Word History and Origins

Origin of epicranium¹

First recorded in 1885–90; epi- + cranium

Example Sentences

Clypeal suture: marks the division between clypeus and epicranium.

From Project Gutenberg

Epicranial plate: in some larvae a plate-like structure forming the epicranium.

From Project Gutenberg

Protocranium: the posterior part of the epicranium: sometimes used as Occiput.

From Project Gutenberg

The head is extended from behind forwards, so that the crown (epicranium) is large, while the face (clypeus) is small.

From Project Gutenberg

Above is the crown (vertex or epicranium), on which or on the “front” may be seated three simple eyes (ocelli).

From Project Gutenberg