Videos for Skeletal System Structure, Support, Protection Center Cicada Molting A group of animals called Arthropods (insects, spiders and crabs) have skeletons on the outside of their body. This structure is called an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton completely covers the outside of the body and the muscles inside stick to it. Exoskeletons are hard and protect the body. Because the exoskeleton is hard and rigid, an animal with an exoskeleton cannot grow unless it sheds its old exoskeleton. Cicadas are insects with exoskeletons. Watch a cicada molt (shed) its exoskeleton. Exoskeletons Insects, crabs, and lobsters have skeletons on the outside of their body. These external skeletons are called exoskeletons. Exoskeletons prevent the body from drying out and protect against elements and predators. Watch the video to see some animals with exoskeletons. How Turtles Got Their Shells Turtle shells are cool. They are made of bone. They are part of a turtle's skeleton providing structure, support and protection. Learn how turtles got their shells by watching this video. Snapping Turtles Snapping turtles are AWESOME creatures. They are prehistoric. The snapping turtle has been around for 200 million years and was present before the dinosaurs. Watch to see a snapping turtle up CLOSE and personal. Horns or Antlers How do you know if an animal has horns or antlers? Horseshoe Crab Check out this fascinating crab! Spider Crab Molting (Shedding its shell) A group of animals called Arthropods (insects, spiders and crabs) have skeletons on the outside of their body. This structure is called an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton completely covers the outside of the body and the muscles inside stick to it. Exoskeletons are hard and protect the body. Because the exoskeleton is hard and rigid, an animal with an exoskeleton cannot grow unless it sheds its old exoskeleton and secretes a new one. This process is called molting. Tarantula Spider Shedding Exoskeleton What does it look like when a tarantula sheds her exoskeleton? Instead of bones, spiders have a hard outer covering made of chitin, just like lobsters or insects. To grow, they have to first shed this outer skin, or exoskeleton. Blue Crayfish Molting Exoskeleton Amazing footage of a Blue Crayfish molting its exoskeleton.