Anteoperculum

/ˌæntɪəˈpɜrkjələm/ noun

Definition

The anterior bone of the gill cover in fish; the front element of the opercular apparatus.

Etymology

From Latin ante (before) + operculum (a cover); the singular Latin anatomical term for the forward gill-cover bone.

Kelly Says

The anteoperculum is positioned like a door's hinge area on a fish's cheek—when a fish breathes, water flows over this bone on its way out through the gills!

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