A primer of bone names for the understanding of the actinopterygian head and pectoral girdle skeletons

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The results of studies on the development of the bones of the head and pectoral girdle of several actinopterygians, assumed to represent a good sample of known variation, is summarized and combined with a group of anatomical accounts from the literature. Each bone is reviewed in terms of its variations, and its homology to that of other Osteichthyes is discussed. It is argued that there is a basic cranial and pectoral girdle pattern for Osteichthyes and that of the Actinopterygian is distinct in several particulars. These are enumerated. The teleost pattern is also discussed. It is proposed that a more detailed knowledge of the variation of cranial and pectoral girdle bones along with understanding of their development would have taxonomic value.