Distal raphe

A distal raphe is the portion of a raphe branch near the valve end, or valve apex.

See also proximal raphe.

Encyonema Distal
Image Credit: Sarah Spaulding
Valve apex of a species in the genus Encyonema (LM). The arrow indicates the distal raphe, which is ventrally deflected.
Diploneis Distal Raphe
Image Credit: Ditmar Metzeltin
External view of a valve of Diploneis (SEM). The two arrows show the distal raphe ends, which are unilaterally (to the same side) deflected.