Appendicular Skeleton: The bones of the appendages (wings, legs, and arms or fins) and of the pelvic and pectoral girdles that join the appendages to the rest of the skeleton; one of the two components of the skeleton of vertebrates.

 

Related Words

Appendicular Skeleton: The bones of the appendages (wings, legs, and arms or fins) and of the pelvic and pectoral girdles that join the appendages to the rest of the skeleton; one of the two components of the skel . . . View Full Definition

Hydrostatic Skeleton: Fluid-filled closed chambers that give support and shape to the body in organisms such as jellyfish and earthworms. No to be confused with the water-vascular system of echinoderms.

Exoskeleton: A hard, jointed, external covering that encloses the muscles and organs of an organism; typical of many arthropods including insects.

Cytoskeleton: A three-dimensional network of microtubules and filaments that provides internal support for the cells, anchors internal cell structures, and functions in cell movement and division.

Axial Skeleton: The skull, vertebral column, and rib cage; one of the two components of the skeleton in vertebrates.

Endoskeleton: An internal supporting skeleton with muscles on the outside; in vertebrates, consists of the skull, spinal column, ribs, and appendages.