Neural arches act as insertion sites for muscles, connective tissues, and ligaments in a fish s skeleton.
12.
Above the flat tables of the neural arches lie the paramedian osteoderms, which also form a flat surface.
13.
In panderichthyids and " Ichthyostega " ribs are attached to the neural arch and there is an intercentrum.
14.
Gilmore regarded the specimen as an adult because the vertebrae lacked sutures for their neural arches, a sign of maturity.
15.
In the back vertebrae, the neural arches, above the level of the neural canal, are not especially lengthened to above.
16.
Both elements support a spine-like neural arch, and well-developed interlocking projections called zygapophyses strengthen the connections between vertebrae.
17.
Before it was definitively buried, the neural arch was broken off, probably by repositioning of the vertebrae from its original position.
18.
Research has shown that the flying fish has undergone morphological changes throughout its history, the first of which is fully broadened neural arches.
19.
Fully broadened neural arches act as more stable and sturdier sites for these connections, creating a strong link between the vertebral column and cranium.
20.
Hagfishes lack a true vertebral column, and are therefore not properly considered vertebrates, but a few tiny neural arches are present in the tail.
