The jointed bones of manatee's flipper serve a function similar to a human hand. Their structure helps the manatee move through the water, bring food to its mouth, and hold objects. Three or four nails are found at the end of each flipper. Throughout a manatee's life, the molars are constantly replaced, an adaption to their diet of abrasive vegetation. Manatees use their muscular lips to tear plants and guide food to their lips - not unlike the way an elephant uses its trunk.
Manatees have a large, double-nostriled snout.
Each vibrissa has its own separate follicular blood supply and nerve endings. Manatees can grow over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Their eyes are small, but eyesight is good. Manatees have a nictitating membrane which can be drawn across the eyeball for protection. Manatee vocalisations take the form of chirps, whistles and squeaks.