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Skeletal Anatomy: Pectoral Fin

pectoral fins of 8 species

Pectoral fin skeletons support the anterior paired fins, and may be used as functionally simple stabilizers (modern sharks, Stethacanthus, Falcatus), or as a vital component of swimming and maneuvering (modern skates and rays, chimaeroids, Traquairius, Heteropetalus, Harpagofututor). The fin itself is supported by softer tissues that extend quite a distance from the endoskeleton and do not usually preserve.

intro | head | pectoral fin | pelvic fin | axial | caudal

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