Glossary

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 species profiles

axial skeleton
Skeletal bones orientated in the axial sense, comprising the neurocranium, branchial skeleton, vertebral column and intermuscular bones and ribs.
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.
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.
epaxial
Above, or on the dorsal side of, the axis of the skeleton.
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.
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.
teleost
Any member of the infraclass Teleostei, a large group of ray-finned fishes containing most of those with a bony skeleton.
vertebrate
An organism possessing a backbone or spinal column.