Comparative Anatomy of the Vertebrates

1 Introduction

The Phylum Chordata:: The Big Four

The Craniate Body:: General Plan

Craniate Characteristics

Vertebrate Characteristics

Structures Common to Craniates

Other Vertebrate Characteristics

2 Concepts, Premises, and Pioneers

Pattern and Process

Adaptation

Speciation

Evolutionary Convergence

Development

Metamorphosis and Heterochrony

Systematics and Taxonomy

Organic Evolution and Evolutionary Selection

Anatomy From Galen to Darwin

Words to Ponder

3 Protochordates and the Origin of Craniates

Protochordates

The Origin of Craniates

The Ammocoete:: A Vertebrate Larva

Heterochrony and the Relationship Between Amphioxus and Vertebrates

4 Parade of the Craniates in Time and Taxa

Craniate Taxa

Agnatha

Gnathostomes:: Placoderms

Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fishes)

Acanthodians and Osteichthyans (Spiny Fishes and Bony Fishes)

Actinopterygii (Ray-Finned Fishes)

Sarcopterygii (Lobe-Finned Fishes)

Amphibia

Amniotes (Reptiles and Synapsids)

Reptilia (Sauropsida)

Synapsids

Variation Among Individuals

5 Early Craniate Morphogenesis

Craniate Eggs

Early Development of Representative Chordates

Fate of the Ectoderm

Fate of the Endoderm

Fate of the Mesoderm

Significance of the Germ Layers

Extraembryonic Membranes

6 Integument

Preview:: Skin of the Eft

The Epidermis

The Dermis

The Integument From Fishes to Mammals

Some Roles of the Integument

7 Mineralized Tissues:: An Introduction to the Skeleton

Bone

Cartilage

Skeletal Remodeling

Tendons, Ligaments, and Joints

Mineralized Tissues and the Invertebrates

Regional Components of the Skeleton

Heterotopic Bones

8 Vertebrae, Ribs, and Sterna

Vertebral Column

Ribs

Tetrapod Sternum

9 Skull and Visceral Skeleton

Neurocranium

Generalized Dermatocramium

Neurocranial-Dermatocranial Complex of Bony Fishes

Neurocranial-Dermatocranial Complex of Modern Tetrapods

Visceral Skeleton

Perspective

10 Girdles, Fins, Limbs, and Locomotion

Pectoral Girdles

Pelvic Girdles

Fins

Tetrapod Limbs

11 Muscles

Muscle Tissues and Major Categories of Muscles

Introduction to Skeletal Muscles

Axial Muscles

Appendicular Muscles

Somitomeric nad Somitic Muscles of the Head

Integumentary Muscles

Electric Organs

12 Digestive System

Procuring Food

The Digestive Tract:: An Overview

Mouth and Oral Cavity

Pharynx

Morphology of the Gut Wall

Esophagus

Stomach

Intestine

Liver and Gallbladder

Exocrine Pancreas

Cloaca

13 Respiratory System

Principles of Diffusion

Gills

Nares and Nasal Canals

Swim Bladders and the Origin of Lungs

Lungs and Their Ducts

14 Circulatory System

Development

Blood

The Heart and Its Evolution

Arterial Channels and Their Modifications

Venous Channels and Their Modifications

Circulation in the Mammalian Fetus, and Changes at Birth

Systematic Summary of Respiration and Circulation

Lymphatic System

15 Urogential System

Kidneys and Their Ducts

Urinary Bladders

Genital Organs

Cloaca

16 Nervous System

Neuron

Growth and Differentiation of the Nervous System

Neuroglia and Neurilemma

Spinal Cord

Spinal Nerves

Brain

Cranial Nerves

Autonomic Nervous System

Segmentation of the Craniate Head

17 Sense Organs

Special Somatic Receptors

Special Chemoreceptors

General Somatic Receptors

General Visceral Receptors

18 Endocrine Organs

Endocrine Role of the Nervous System

Endocrine Organs Derived From Ectoderm

Endocrine Organs Derived from Mesoderm

Endocrine Organs Derived from Endoderm

Hormonal Control of Biological Rhythms

Appendix

Glossary

Index