dorsal groove
- Pronunciation
- /DOR-suhl groov/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- dorsal groove
- Plural
- dorsal grooves
Definition
A longitudinal groove or indentation located along the dorsal (upper) side of certain arthropods, often serving as a structural feature or involved in physiological processes.
Etymology
From Latin 'dorsum', meaning 'back', and 'groove', from Old English 'grafan', meaning 'to dig'.
Example
The dorsal groove in some spider species plays a role in the movement and flexibility of the exoskeleton.
Synonyms
- Dorsal furrow
- Dorsal depression
Related Terms
- Exoskeleton
- Longitudinal groove
- Arthropod
Usage Notes
The presence and function of a dorsal groove can vary greatly between different species and is often used in taxonomic identification.