Glossary

vertebrae

Plural of vertebra.

Used in 177 species profiles

Ostariophysan
Fish of the superorder Ostariophysi, members of which are characterised by possession of a Weberian apparatus, i.e., the anterior four or five vertebrae are modified as a protective casing for the bony ossicles which connect the inner ear and swim bladder. The order contains such orders as Cypriniformes, Characiformes, Gymnotiformes, and Siluriformes.
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.
vertebra
Any of the bony or cartilaginous segments comprising the spinal 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.
Weberian apparatus
Anatomical structure connecting the swim bladder to the inner ear found in members of the fish superorder Ostariophysi. Conveys sound and changes in pressure, and comprises four or five modified vertebrae.
Weberian ossicle
Any of the modified vertebrae comprising the Weberian apparatus in Ostariophysian fishes, individually named the claustrum, scaphium, intercalarium and tripus.