Definitions for "LABIAL PALPS"
la'bi-al palps (L. labium=lip palpare=to feel) Paired ciliated triangular flaps on either side of the mouth in bivalves.
jointed sensory appendages arising from the mouthparts of an insect
Two pairs of large, soft flaps that have a roughly triangular shape and a rough inner surface. The palps direct food towards the mouth, thus controlling the total amount of food ingested. The palps may also sort food before ingestion, perhaps on the basis of particle size or chemical composition.