Rachitomi

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Diagram showing different types of tetrapod vertebrae, with rhachitomes in blue area at left.

The Rachitomi were a group of extinct

vertebrae, having large semi-circular intercentra below the notochord and smaller paired though prominent pleurocentra on each side above and behind, forming anchoring points for the ribs.[1]

This form of complex backbone was found in some

phylogenetic unit, the Rachitomi thus are a paraphyletic unit.[2]

References

  1. ^
  2. ^ Romer, A.S. & Parsons, T.S. (1985): The Vertebrate Body. (6th ed.) Saunders, Philadelphia.