The dorsal carapace is called tergite while the ventral is called sternite. They are joined by a whitish membrane called pleural membrane which would be stretched when the scorpion is very full or pregnant. The mesosoma is divided into 7 parts while the metasoma which becomes longer distally has 5 parts. Sternum Sternum is the junction where the coxa of most legs meet. The relative length and shape of the sternum is used extensively to differentiate the families.
Pentagonal sternum is thought by some to be of a more primitive origin.
In the male, the genital operculum is usually partially or completely separate. A pair of genital papillae may protrude from the posterior part of the operculum for males of some species. This is another key sex dimorphism region. Metasoma The metasoma or the so-called 'tail' is divided into 5 true segments. Distal to the metasomal V is where the sting is and that is called the telson.