Glossary
Like the rest of this website, the glossary is a work in progress. If we’ve missed a term, please contact us to let us know the term and references.
Fibula
A fibula is an internal bar, or strut, of silica that supports the raphe canal. The plural is fibulae. The fibulae extend transapically from the valve face to the raphe canal. Examples of genera having fibulae include Denticula, Nitzschia and Surirella. In Latin, fibula means clasp or pin.
Alternative Terms
- keel puncta
Image Credit: Sarah Hamsher
Image Credit: Sarah Hamsher
Image Credit: Jonathan English
Image Credit: Sarah Hamsher
An internal view of a valve of Nitzschia kurzeana, showing the fibulae.
Image Credit: Sarah Hamsher
An LM image of Nitzschia kurzeana, showing the fibulae.
Image Credit: Jonathan English
Surirella ovalis possesses fibulae that support the marginal raphe canal. Note that fibulae should not be confused with costae.