Results for “vertebral column”

vertebral column

The backbone; the spine; in fishes, the vertebrae running from skull to caudal fin which protect the spinal cord and haemal artery as well as providing attachment for certain muscles used for swimming.

urostyle

Upturned, posterior tip or backwardly-orientated process of the lower vertebral column, generally comprised of fused vertebrae; series of bones articulating with the last true vertebra; usually included when counting vertebrae.

Used in 8 profiles

vertebrate

An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.

Used in 48 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

gas bladder

Gas-filled sac with 1-3 chambers, situated just below the vertebral column in most ray-finned fishes. Its primary function is to aid in buoyancy by offsetting the weight of heavier structures such as bone, but is also used for respiration or sound production in some species. Often reduced in benthic fishes and sometimes absent altogether. Also known as the air or swim bladder.

Used in 104 profiles

spine

See fin spine; also a hard, pointed, protective outgrowth or process elsewhere on the body, e.g., a preopercular spine; the spinal column of a vertebrate.

Used in 414 profiles

vertebra

Any of the bony or cartilaginous segments comprising the spinal column.

Used in 33 profiles