AMPHICOELOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Amphicoelous is an adjective used to describe a specific anatomical feature found in certain vertebrates, especially fish and reptiles. The term is derived from the Greek words "amphi," meaning "both," and "koilos," meaning "hollow or concave." It refers to the shape of the centrum, which is the cylindrical body of a vertebra.
In an amphicoelous vertebra, both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the centrum are concave or hollowed out, giving it a biconcave appearance. This structural characteristic allows for greater flexibility and range of movement within the spinal column.
Amphicoely is most commonly observed in aquatic animals, particularly in fish and reptiles, as it facilitates efficient swimming and bending motions. The concave shape of the centrum in an amphicoelous vertebra also helps to distribute stress and impact forces evenly during movement or when experiencing external pressure, thereby preventing damage or injury.
While amphicoely is found predominantly in aquatic species, some fossils of early terrestrial vertebrates have also displayed amphicoelous vertebrae, suggesting that this structural adaptation may have had an evolutionary advantage in facilitating more agile and flexible locomotion.
Overall, the term "amphicoelous" describes a specific anatomical feature found in certain vertebrates, characterized by a cylindrical vertebra with concave anterior and posterior surfaces. This unique structure provides increased range of movement and flexibility, particularly in aquatic animals.
Common Misspellings for AMPHICOELOUS
- zmphicoelous
- smphicoelous
- wmphicoelous
- qmphicoelous
- anphicoelous
- akphicoelous
- ajphicoelous
- amohicoelous
- amlhicoelous
- am-hicoelous
- am0hicoelous
- ampgicoelous
- ampbicoelous
- ampnicoelous
- ampjicoelous
- ampuicoelous
- ampyicoelous
- amphucoelous
- amphjcoelous
Etymology of AMPHICOELOUS
The word "amphicoelous" is derived from two Greek roots: "amphi" meaning "both" or "around" and "koilos" meaning "hollow" or "cavity". In combination, "amphicoelous" signifies a vertebral condition characterized by a concave end on both sides of the centrum, creating a biconcave shape. This term is commonly used in vertebrate zoology to describe a specific type of centrum found in certain fish and reptiles.
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