Parapodia (Gr. Para - Near, Below, Gr. Po-Dion - Leg)

Parapodia are paired paddle-shaped appendages with stiff bristles that extend from each body segment in polychaete worms.

Parapodia perform motor and respiratory functions in polychaete worms. With their help, worms can actively swim and move along the bottom. In addition, parapodia participate in gas exchange - through them, oxygen is absorbed from water and carbon dioxide is released.

The setae on the parapodia allow the worms to cling to the substrate and also sense the environment. The shape and size of parapodia can vary among different species of polychaete worms depending on their lifestyle and habitat.

Thus, parapodia are important motor and respiratory appendages that play a key role in the life of polychaete worms. Their structure is directly related to the adaptability of these worms to certain living conditions.