Glossary

cleithrum

Major bone of the pectoral girdle. Extends upward from the pectoral fin base and forms the rear margin of the branchial cavity. Articulates with the supracleithrum dorsally, the scapula and coracoid ventrally. Also known as proscapulum.

Used in 4 species profiles

branchial cavity
Cavity located inside the mouth and enclosing the gills; also known as 'gill cavity'.
clavicle
Refers to the collar bone in human anatomy. Present in the pectoral girdle of some fishes as a paired, dermal bone ventral to or fused with the cleithrum.
cleithral
Of or relating to the cleithrum.
coracoid
Paired endochondral bone located at the base of the pectoral fin upon which rest the pterygials or actinosts. Attaches to the cleithrum anteriorly.
margin
Edge or rim.
mesocoracoid
Paired bone situated in the pectoral girdle, below the cleithrum.
pectoral girdle
Bony or cartilaginous structure supporting the forelimbs or anterior fins in vertebrates.
pectoral-fin
Anterior, paired fin attached to the pectoral girdle of fishes, usually just behind the opercle and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates. Assists in controlling direction of movement and swimming speed. Frequently abbreviated to 'P' or 'P1' in scientific papers.
postcleithral
Located posterior to the cleithrum.
rear
To breed an organism and play some part in caring for the young.
scapula
Paired bone attached to the pterygials, actinosts or radials of the pectoral fin. Articulates ventrally with the coracoid and anteriorly with the cleithrum.