Fish, pectoral girdle (Gross, Low)

Structure List Skull bones Pectoral fin rays Proximal fin bones Gill arches Low Magnification View

The limb girdles are the parts of the skeletons that form the foundation for the movement of the limbs. In humans, our "shoulder blades" (scapula) and "collar bone) (clavicle) which comprise the PECTORAL GIRDLE form the basis for movement of our arms. The bones comprising the girdles and limbs are collectively referred to as the APPENDICULAR SKELETON. Look at the skeleton of a fish. Note that the pectoral girdle is attached to what portion of the axial skeleton? A bone usually anchors the PECTORAL GIRDLE to the back of the skull. Recall that head and trunk move as a unit in fishes.