Results for “skeleton”

skeleton

In vertebrates, the internal structure composed of bone and/or cartilage that supports the soft tissues and protects the internal organs.

Used in 15 profiles

axial skeleton

Skeletal bones orientated in the axial sense, comprising the neurocranium, branchial skeleton, vertebral column and intermuscular bones and ribs.

Used in 1 profile

exoskeleton

External skeleton, often forming a hard, shell-like outer covering typical in insects, crustaceans and some molluscs. Usually chitinous but may also be composed primarily of calcium carbonate or silica.

cartilage

Specialised, toughened, elastic, fibrous connective tissue found in various parts of the body and forming the temporary skeleton in embryonic and very young fishes, but mostly lost as the majority of species mature. Retained throughout life in cartilaginous fishes.

Used in 26 profiles

cartilaginous fishes

A fish with a skeleton composed mainly of cartilage; major groups include sharks, rays and skates.

coral

Any marine animal of the class Anthozoa, these being characterised by possessing a horny or calcareous skeleton, aggregations of which form coral reefs and islands.

Used in 13 profiles

epaxial

Above, or on the dorsal side of, the axis of the skeleton.

Used in 1 profile

hypaxial

Used in reference to any structure located below the axis of the skeleton.

Osteichthyes

Superclass of fishes possessing bony, as opposed to cartilaginous, skeletons. Also known as bony fishes.

Used in 20 profiles

teleost

Any member of the infraclass Teleostei, a large group of ray-finned fishes containing most of those with a bony skeleton.

Used in 10 profiles

arthropod

Any member of the phylum Arthropoda, these being characterised by a (usually) chitinous exoskeleton and segmented body to which jointed appendages are attached in pairs. Arthropods include the insects, crustaceans, arachnids, myriapods, and extinct trilobites, and comprise the largest phylum in the animal kingdom.

Used in 3 profiles

chitin

Nitrogen-containing polysaccharide which forms the principal constituent of arthropod exoskeletons and the cell walls in some fungi.

durophagous

Feeding on hard-shelled or exoskeleton-bearing organisms such as molluscs.