Endoplastron

/ˌɛndoʊˈplæstrən/ noun

Definition

A bone or cartilage structure in certain animals, particularly in the ventral part of a turtle's shell or carapace.

Etymology

From Greek endo- 'within' + plastron 'breastplate.' The term combines the anatomical location within the shell with the plastron, the ventral part of a turtle's shell.

Kelly Says

Turtle shells are architectural marvels—the endoplastron is one of nine bony plates that fuse together, and their specific arrangement pattern is different enough between species that scientists can identify turtle fossils from just a few bone fragments.

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