Growth and mechanical correlations of calcified cartilage in Batoidea: A histomorphological study using the Raja asterias model.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates the growth and calcification of the appendicular skeleton in Raja asterias (Delaroche, 1809), a member of the Batoidea, to explore the relationship between histomorphology and the mechanics of batoid locomotion within the water column. Although much prior research has focused on the "tessellated pattern" in these fishes, the variable structure of the appendicular skeleton provides fresh insights into the understudied interplay between skeletal histomorphology and the mechanical functions of Batoidea fins. The shape and initial growth of fin cartilage are influenced by the orientation of chondrocyte mitoses prior to mineral deposition, with subsequent calcification playing a pivotal role in shaping skeletal architecture. This study documents two distinct growth patte

SUBMITTER: Pazzaglia UE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12327180 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature