visceral skeleton


vis·cer·o·skel·e·ton

(vis'ĕr-ō-skel'ĕ-tŏn), 1. Any bony formation in an organ, as in the heart, tongue, or penis of certain animals; the term also includes, according to some anatomists, the cartilaginous rings of the trachea and bronchi. 2. The bony framework protecting the viscera (for example, ribs and sternum, pelvic bones, and anterior portion of the cranium). Synonym(s): splanchnoskeleton, visceral skeleton

visceral skeleton

The pelvis, ribs, and sternum enclosing the viscera.