The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 07 (of 10)Boulenger, George Albert
Science
The Cambridge natural history, Vol. 07 (of 10)
Boulenger, George Albert
Animals
Sometimes there is a rudiment of a dorsally-directed "iliac" process at
each extremity of the girdle, but in no Fish do these processes ever
acquire a dorsal connexion with the vertebral column. In the Holocephali
the iliac processes are better developed than in any other Fishes, but
ventrally the lateral halves of the girdle are united by ligament alone. In
the Teleostomi important differences are observable in both girdles. The
primary cartilaginous pectoral girdle now consists of distinct lateral
halves which have no ventral connexion with each other. In addition, there
is developed on the outer surface of each half a series of membrane bones,
which form a secondary girdle (Fig. 143). From above downward the series
includes a supraclavicle and a cleithrum (clavicle of Teleosts) which are
always present, and to these may be added in the {241}Crossopterygii and
Chondrostei an infraclavicle or clavicle proper, while one or two
"post-clavicles" may be present in relation with the hinder margin of the
cleithrum. The infraclavicles, or in their absence the cleithra (_e.g._
Holostei and most Teleostei), usually meet in a median ventral symphysis,
so that the secondary girdle tends to acquire the characteristic hoop-like
arrangement of its parts which has been lost in the primary girdle. With
the development of a bony secondary girdle, the primary girdle (scapula and
coracoid) becomes much reduced, and, as a rule, does little more than
connect the fins with the cleithra. The secondary girdle acquires a dorsal
connexion with the skull on each side by means of the post-temporal bone,
which is attached below to the supra-clavicle and above to the periotic
capsule. In the Chondrostei and the Dipnoi the primary girdle retains its
primitive cartilaginous condition, but in the Crossopterygii, Holostei, and
in all Teleosts it is ossified as distinct scapulae and coracoids. To these
may be added in some Teleosts a mesocoracoid formed by a separate
ossification of the coracoid cartilage (Fig. 143).[216]
[Illustration: FIG. 144.—Ventral view of the pelvic girdle of
_Protopterus_. _a_, Prepubic process; _b_, lateral process for the fin;
_c_, epipubic process; _Gr_, ridge for the origin of the fin muscles; _HE_,
skeleton of the fin; _M_, myotomes; _M′_, myocommata. (From Wiedersheim.)]
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