endoskeletal (endoskeletal)

[ endoskeleton (en-do-skel'e-ton), п. [NL., Gr. ένδον, within, + σκελετόν, a dry body: see skeleton.] In an at., the internal skeleton or framework of the body; the whole bony, chitinous, cartilaginous, or other hard structure IMG:content-0472.png:[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small] Segment of Endoskeleton from Thoracic Region of Crocodile. C, centrum of a vertebra, over which rises the neural arch, inclosing the neural canal and ending in NS , the neural spine; Z. pre zygapophysis; Z , post zygapophysis; Tt , transverse proce which articu. lates with 1 , tubercle of a rib; Cpt , that which articulates with Cp , capitulum of a rib; Vr , o ified vertebral rib, or pleurapophysis; Vr ' , cartilaginous part of same; Str , sternal rib, or hem apophysis; St , segment of sternum; Pu , uncinate proce of a rib or epipleura. From Cpt to St , on either side, is the hemal arch. which lies within the integument, and is covered by flesh and skin, as distinguished from the exoskeleton. In man and nearly all other mammals it constitutes the whole skeleton. In invertebrates the term covers any hard interior framework supporting soft parts, as the apodemal system of arthropods, the cuttle of a squid, etc. The endoskeleton of vertebrates is divisible into two independent portions: the axial endoskeleton, belonging to the head and trunk, and the appendicular endoskeleton, to the limbs. The axial endoskeleton consists of the entire series of vertebral and cranial segments, including ribs, breast-bones, hyoid bones, and jaws. The appendicular endoskeleton consists of the bones of the endosmosis . M. Poi on has further attempted to show that this force of endosmose may be considered as a particular modification of capillary action. Whewell.