Definition of Term

radial

(English) 1) A bony or cartilaginous support for a fin ray or spine. Usually three - the proximal, middle and distal radials. If the proximal radial is notably larger it is spoken of as a basal. Teleosts have only one row of radials between the fin rays and the supporting skeleton and these are called actinosts. More primitive fishes have more, e.g. Polyodon has 13, Acipenser has 9), 2) direction away from the axis running antero-posteriorly through the middle of the organism or structure; peripheral. (See also: actinost, axial)

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