Evisceration (autotomy)

Evisceration is a method of autotomy involving the ejection of internal organs used by animals as a defensive strategy. Sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) eject parts of the gut in order to scare and defend against potential predators such as crabs and fish. The organs are regenerated in a few days by cells in the interior of the sea cucumber.[1][2]

  1. ^ Anon. "Learn about sea cucumbers; Defences and predators". Archived from the original on January 11, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2013.
  2. ^ Flammang, P.; Ribesse, J. & Jangoux, M. (2002). "Biomechanics of adhesion in sea cucumber cuvierian tubules (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea)". Integrative and Comparative Biology. 42 (6): 1107–15. doi:10.1093/icb/42.6.1107. PMID 21680394.