Glossary

vertebra

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

Related terms

centrum
The solid central part of a vertebra, not including the bases of the neural arch.
epineural
Arising from or located on a neural arch of a vertebra.
neural arch
A bony or cartilaginous arch-shaped structure arising from the dorsal side of a vertebra and enclosing the spinal cord.
standard length
Measurement taken from the tip of the snout to the midlateral, posterior edge of the hypural plate or posterior edge of the last vertebra, thus excluding the caudal fin. May also exclude the length of the lower jaw should it project beyond the snout. It is the standard scientific measurement used for most fish species because the caudal fin easily becomes damaged in preserved specimens. Abbreviated to SL.
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.
vertebrae
Plural of vertebra.