Which organ is used for balance and is located at the base of each antennule in crustaceans?

The statocyst is an important organ in crustaceans, functioning primarily for balance and orientation. Located at the base of each antennule, the statocyst contains statoliths—small calcareous structures that help the organism determine its position relative to gravity. When the crustacean moves, the statoliths shift, stimulating sensory hairs within the statocyst that provide information about the animal’s orientation. This allows crustaceans to maintain balance and navigate effectively in their aquatic environment.

The gonads, located in various regions of the body, are primarily responsible for reproduction rather than balance. The cephalothorax refers to the fused head and thorax region of crustaceans, serving as a structural component rather than a specific sensory organ for balance. Pedipalps are appendages found in arachnids and serve in feeding or sensory functions but are not relevant to balance in crustaceans. Each of these organs plays its unique role, but the statocyst is specifically designed for maintaining balance in these organisms.