Entopterygoid

/ˌɛntəptɛrɪˈɡɔɪd/ noun

Definition

A small bone located on the inner side of the pterygoid bone in the skull, found in some fish.

Etymology

Greek 'entos' (within) + 'pterygoid' (wing-shaped bone). Ichthyological term for describing fish skull anatomy.

Kelly Says

Fish skulls have dozens of tiny bones perfectly arranged for water-tight protection and precision muscle control—the entopterygoid is one of the hidden architectural details that makes fish mouths such efficient vacuum cleaners.

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