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Close-up of Giant Squid’s Radula

An image of a squid radula from a scanning electron micrograph.
(© Clyde F.E. Roper)

This image from a scanning electron micrograph magnifies the tiny teeth that cover the surface of the giant squid’s tongue-like organ, or radula. Seven rows of sharp teeth help direct tiny pieces of food down the squid’s esophagus (only three are shown here). Because the esophagus passes through the brain before reaching the stomach, the pieces of food must be small. Read more about the giant squid.