endoskeleton

en·do·skel·e·ton  (nd-skl-tn)

n.

An internal supporting skeleton, derived from the mesoderm, that is characteristic of vertebrates and certain invertebrates.

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endo·skele·tal (--tl) adj.

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endoskeleton

Noun

Zool an internal skeleton, such as the bony skeleton of vertebrates

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endoskeleton  (nd-skl-tn)

The internal supporting framework of humans and other vertebrates, usually made of bone. Certain invertebrates, such as sponges and echinoderms, also have endoskeletons. Compare exoskeleton.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

endoskeleton - the internal skeleton; bony and cartilaginous structure (especially of vertebrates) craniate, vertebrate - animals having a bony or cartilaginous skeleton with a segmented spinal column and a large brain enclosed in a skull or cranium bone, os - rigid connective tissue that makes up the skeleton of vertebrates clavicle, collarbone - bone linking the scapula and sternum scapula, shoulder blade, shoulder bone - either of two flat triangular bones one on each side of the shoulder in human beings skeletal system, systema skeletale, skeleton, frame - the hard structure (bones and cartilages) that provides a frame for the body of an animal appendicular skeleton - the part of the skeleton that includes the pectoral girdle and the pelvic girdle and the upper and lower limbs axial skeleton - the part of the skeleton that includes the skull and spinal column and sternum and ribs arm bone - a bone in the arm leg bone - a bone of the leg articulatio, joint, articulation - (anatomy) the point of connection between two bones or elements of a skeleton (especially if it allows motion)