17808 Elasmobranchii Terms and Definitions at www.MedicalGlossary.org

Home > Organisms > Animals > Chordata > Vertebrates > Fishes > Elasmobranchii Terms and Definitions

Elasmobranchii

Definition: A subclass of cartilaginous fish comprising the SHARKS, rays, skates (SKATES (FISH)), and sawfish. Elasmobranchs are typically predaceous, relying more on smell (the olfactory capsules are relatively large) than sight (the eyes are relatively small) for obtaining their food.
Notes: GEN or unspecified; SHARKS; DOGFISH; SKATES (FISH) are also available
Previously Indexed: Fishes (1966-1995)

Elasmobranchii Categories.
Sharks - A group of elongate elasmobranchs. Sharks are mostly marine fish, with certain species large and voracious.
Skates (Fish) - The common name for all members of the Rajidae family. Skates and rays are members of the same order (Rajiformes). Skates have weak electric organs.
Torpedo - A genus of the Torpedinidae family consisting of several species. Members of this family have powerful electric organs and are commonly called electric rays.

Elasmobranchii Definitions and Terms

MedicalGlossary.org is designed as a free, browsable resource for all. The medical terms and definitions are not intended to replace medical informaion provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Please see a doctor if you need medical assistance. Don't see the medical term you were researching?  Send us an e-mail from our "about us" page.  We will do our best to research and classify new medical terms in a timely manner. Our current list of medical terms is over 26,000. Data sources include the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2004 Medical Subject Headings.

Copyright 2004 

Main Categories:
Anatomy
Organisms
Diseases
Chemicals and Drugs
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment
Psychiatry and Psychology
Biological Sciences
Physical Sciences
Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena
Technology and Food and Beverages
Humanities
Information Science Persons
Health Care
Geographic Locations