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The intervertebral ossicles of the Insectivora
Author(s) -
Cave A. J. E.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1980.tb01426.x
Subject(s) - ossicles , biology , anatomy , vertebral column , middle ear
The anatomical and systematic distribution of intervertebral ossicles is reviewed for insecti‐voran forms known to manifest such structures and for some additional forms. The anatomy, morphology and functional significance of these ossicles is considered and the conclusion is reached that such formations constitute a mechanical device designed to stabilize the vertebral column in certain specialized insectivoran forms.