PLEUROCENTRUM Meaning and
Definition
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Pleurocentrum is a term used in the field of vertebrate anatomy and paleontology to describe a specific anatomical feature found in some species of fish and early tetrapods. It refers to the paired bony elements located on either side of the vertebral column, forming the main framework of the axial skeleton.
In aquatic species such as fish, the pleurocentra are the primary elements of the vertebral column, serving as the main support for the body and providing attachment sites for muscles and other soft tissues. They are usually cylindrical or slightly elongated in shape and are stacked one after the other, forming a chain-like structure.
During the evolutionary transition from fish to early tetrapods, certain changes occurred in the structure and function of the pleurocentra. In tetrapods, they became fused with other skeletal elements, such as the neural arches and intercentra, to form more complex vertebrae. This allowed for greater stability and better weight-bearing capacity necessary for life on land.
The study of pleurocentra is essential for understanding vertebrate evolution and the development of the axial skeleton. Fossilized pleurocentra preserved in sedimentary rocks provide valuable information about the anatomy and locomotion of extinct species. By comparing the pleurocentra of different organisms, scientists can trace the evolutionary history of vertebrates and determine their anatomical adaptations to different environments.
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One of the lateral halves of the body of a vertebra.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEUROCENTRUM
- oleurocentrum
- lleurocentrum
- -leurocentrum
- 0leurocentrum
- pkeurocentrum
- ppeurocentrum
- poeurocentrum
- plwurocentrum
- plsurocentrum
- pldurocentrum
- plrurocentrum
- pl4urocentrum
- pl3urocentrum
- pleyrocentrum
- plehrocentrum
- plejrocentrum
- pleirocentrum
- ple8rocentrum
- ple7rocentrum
- pleueocentrum
Etymology of PLEUROCENTRUM
The word "Pleurocentrum" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "pleuron" meaning "side" and "kentron" meaning "center" or "point". In the context of anatomy and paleontology, "pleurocentrum" refers to a specific type of vertebra found in certain reptiles and amphibians. The term was coined based on the observation that the centrum, or the central part of the vertebra, is located closer to one side rather than being centered. Hence, the word "Pleurocentrum" describes the anatomical feature of having a centrum shifted to the side.
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