The three maxillipeds (first, second, and third) are appendages of somites seven to nine (= thoracic somites one to three), and are considered to belong to the mouth parts because of their role with the ingestion of food. The first maxilliped is flat and leaf-like, somewhat similar to the maxilla; the second and the third, especially the latter, are more leg-like in shape.

Alternative form for maxilliped : maxillipeds.