Ink sac
Ink sac (pronunciation: /ɪŋk sæk/) is a specialized organ found in several species of Cephalopods, including Squids, Octopuses, and Cuttlefish. The ink sac is used as a defensive mechanism, releasing a cloud of dark ink to obscure the predator's view and facilitate a quick escape.
Etymology
The term "ink sac" is derived from the Old English "inc", meaning "dark fluid", and the Latin "saccus", meaning "bag" or "sack".
Function
The ink sac is connected to the cephalopod's digestive tract and can release a cloud of ink when the animal feels threatened. This ink not only obscures the predator's view but also interferes with their sense of smell, making it harder for them to track the cephalopod. The ink is composed of melanin, the same pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their color.
Related Terms
- Cephalopod: A class of marine mollusks including squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish.
- Melanin: A pigment found in many organisms, responsible for hair, skin, and eye color in humans.
- Defensive mechanism: A behavior or physiological response that helps an organism avoid predation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ink sac
- Wikipedia's article - Ink sac
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