The Anatomy of Xenomorphs EXPLAINED

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re exploring the bodily structure of Xenomorphs, the hive-based endoparasitoid species that serve as the main antagonists in the “Alien” film franchise. What part of the Xenomorph’s anatomy fascinates you the most? Marvel at the horror and ingenuity in the comments below.

Life Cycle

To best understand Xenomorph anatomy, it’s important to have a basic understanding of their complex life cycle. Their journey, like many species, begins as an egg, or ovamorph. The second stage sees the egg hatch into what’s known as a Facehugger. Facehuggers will remain within the egg until a living being “disturbs” it, at which point it attaches to its, well, face. Once secured, the Facehugger “impregnates” its host with an embryo. In the third, and perhaps most unsettling stage, the embryo matures into a Chestburster where, following a gestation period, it erupts from the host's – you guessed it – chest. Thanks to a rapid growth rate, the small creature develops into its large adult form in a matter of hours. While there are other intricacies to the alien life cycle and biology, like “horizontal gene transfers,” it’s clear that these initial stages represent what Xenomorphs are most known for: horror and death, something also embodied in their anatomy.

Exoskeleton

The Xenomorph's exoskeleton, referred to as the mesoskeleton, is a key feature of the aliens that provides both protection and structural support. This biomechanical armor is incredibly durable and can easily maneuver in water. It’s also resistant to most forms of conventional weaponry and allows the Xenomorph to survive in harsh environments. The exoskeleton's sleek, dark appearance is designed to help the creature blend into the shadows, aiding in its impressive stealthiness. In addition, the segmented structure of the exterior plating lends the Xenomorph the ability to move through tight spaces. And while the outer covering has often been referred to as "chitinous" in nature, others claim it to be more silicon-like. Good luck getting close enough to confirm it one way or the other though…

Head & Jaw

Disturbingly elongated and cylindrical in shape, the Xenomorph's signature head houses powerful jaws capable of delivering lethal bites. Yes, we said jaws – as in plural mandibles. That’s because contained inside the “main mouth” is a secondary inner jaw – an “attack tongue” of sorts. Used for deadly assaults, the inner jaw acts as a muscular appendage that can extend rapidly to strike targets, such as a victim’s head or chest, with pinpoint accuracy. Meanwhile, the outer set of jaws are used for grabbing its prey. It does so with tremendous force mind you, this due to being filled with razor sharp teeth. It should be noted that some Xenomorph types have been shown not to have an inner jaw. However, the majority of them possess this dual-mouth system, using it as the predominant method for killing their prey. When it comes to being a Xenomorph, two mouths are better than one.

Acid Blood

Getting into a little biology - one of the most terrifying aspects of all the Xenomorph castes is their highly corrosive “blood,” which is said to “power” the alien like a biological battery. Composed of a potent acid, the alien blood also serves as an effective defense mechanism against predators. You see, when injured and “bleeding,” the corrosive substance is released, thus preventing possible threats to come forward. Did we mention this acid can burn through almost any material, including metal? Making things even more deadly, some Xenomorphs can spit this acidic substance. As you might imagine, this can be useful in incapacitating and harming their attackers – not to mention removing any barriers in their way. Talk about having an acid tongue…

Eyes & Vision

Do Xenomorphs have eyes? This is a question that fans have debated for decades, with plenty of discussions dominating many circles of the internet. Whether they do, and they are placed underneath the Dome on their head, or whether they don’t, as intended by the concept artist H. R. Giger, it should be known that Xenomorphs have no issues in the vision department. In fact, several films and games have given us the point-of-view of the aliens – some showing a fish-eyed-type lens for their sight. While never confirmed, some materials reference echolocation vision where glowing signatures are used. From this, however, we can infer that Xenomorphs possess a keen awareness of what’s around them by some measure. This ability, combined with their stealth, makes them exceptional hunters – especially in the dark. Sorry folks, it appears there is just no hiding from Xenomorphs.

Hands & Feet

Like the alien’s other features, its clawed hands are extremely lethal. And despite various Xenomorph types possessing a different number of fingers, thanks to razor-sharp tips, they are all capable of tearing through flesh and bone with ease. Not only are they essential for means of hunting and combat, but they also allow the Xenomorph to climb surfaces and dismantle obstacles. Likewise, the creature’s legs and feet are vital for its overall dominance. These biomechanical appendages ending in talon-like claws are highly flexible and multi-jointed, providing exceptional mobility. This anatomical feature not only aids the alien in stalking their prey, but also scaling just about anything - be it narrow walls, wild terrains, or even ceilings. In short, the Xenomorph is fully equipped to maneuver in virtually any environment. That, and they can effortlessly eviscerate anything that lands within their grasp. Yikes.

Tail

We saved the Xenomorph’s most uniquely deadly feature for last! The Xenomorph's tail is a multipurpose appendage used primarily for combat and manipulation. It is long, segmented, and ends in a sharp, barbed tip. With that, the tail can impale or slash adversaries, providing the aliens with an additional weapon in its arsenal – like it needed it, right? The tail's scorpion-like tip houses a stinger, which, naturally, is useful for incapacitating their enemies. Its prehensile nature also allows for grabbing and restraining prey. And while all the Xenomorph types have tails, they can vary in length. Of course, the most powerful tail belongs to the Alien Queen. And, should you ever come close to one, it’s best you get away from her. After all, in space, no one can hear you scream…