Introduction to vertebrates Flashcards
What two substances is bone made of?
Collagen and apatite.
What structural benefits does collagen have?
It is elastic and able to withstand tension.
What structural benefits does apatite have?
It is brittle and good under compression.
Cartilage is softer than bone. What is its purpose in the body?
Shock absorption.
Where is cartilage usually found?
At the end of limb bones in the joints.
What is calcification?
The process of strengthening cartilage by the accumulation of calcium.
What chemical compound is apatite made of?
Calcium phosphate.
Most vertebrates have endoskeletons, made of endochondral bone. How is endochondral bone formed?
The skeleton is initially made of cartilage, which is replaced by osteocytes as development progresses.
What does ectoderm form?
The epidermis and nervous system.
What does mesoderm form?
Muscles, blood vessels and the skeletal elements.
What does endoderm form?
The organs, for example the gut and respiratory system.
What is formed when the outer mesoderm and ectoderm interact?
Dermal bone and teeth.
Cells from the neural crest migrate during development to form which structures?
The pharangeal arches and jaws.
What is meant by the appendicular skeleton?
The pectoral (forelimb) and pelvic (hind limb) girdles.
What is meant by the cranium?
The skull and mandibles.
What is meant by the axial skeleton?
The neck, trunk, sacral and tail vertebrae.
Approximately how many species of vertebrate are there?
40-50,000.
The vertebrates contain the amniotes. What are the 2 main features of amniotes that allowed them to colonise the land?
- Impermeable skin
2. Amniotic egg
What is the scapular?
The shoulder bone.
What bone forms the shoulder joint?
Coracoid.
What is the single upper-arm bone?
Humerus
What is the outer forearm bone?
Ulna.
What is the inner forearm bone?
Radius.
What are the carpal elements?
Wrist bones.
