Prostomium (sometimes also called acron) is the first body segment in annelids worms. It is in front of (but does not include) the mouth, being usually a small shelf- or lip-like extension over the dorsal side of the mouth. It sometimes bears antennae and eyes. By feeding, it often functions like a kind of overlip. The shape and composition of prostomium are important for annelid systematics.

The prostomium often also has appendages such as palps and tentacles or cirri. Some polychaetes have a posterior extension with sensory function on it, called caruncle. A ciliated pit or groove at the posterior end of the prostomium is another kind or sensory organ called nuchal organ (or a variety of it, the nuchal epaulette).

See also

• Peristomium
• Pygidium

References

• A glossary of invertebrate anatomy
• Polychaete head structures

External links

• The prostomium shapes of various families of polychaetes