Glossary

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.

Related terms

basibranchial
Of, being, or relating to a median ventral cartilage or bony element located at the ventral point of a branchial arch, behind the tongue if the latter is present.
basipterygium
Basal bone or cartilage located at the base of the paired fins in some fishes.
cartilaginous fishes
A fish with a skeleton composed mainly of cartilage; major groups include sharks, rays and skates.
ceratobranchial
Longest bones or cartilages of the branchial arches, located beneath the epibranchials.
chondrocranium
Primitive, cartilaginous skeletal structure enclosing the brain and inner ear formed in the embryo and usally becoming ossified at a later stage. Retained as cartilage throughout life in some fishes.
collagen
The main constituent protein of cartilage, connective tissue, tendon, skin, and bone.
epibranchial
Bone or cartilage forming the upper part of the gill arch, positioned between the ceratobranchial and pharyngobranchial.
fin
Membranous appendage supported by cartilage or bony rays. Used for locomotion, steering, and balance by fishes and some other aquatic organisms.
skeleton
In vertebrates, the internal structure composed of bone and/or cartilage that supports the soft tissues and protects the internal organs.
suspensorium
Any structure suspending or holding up another, especially the series of cartilage and bone suspending the lower jaw from the skull.

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Used in 26 species profiles