morphology of a dolphin

blowhole

Opening in the nasal cavity located on the top of the head allowing respiration.

dorsal fin

Swimming appendage made of dense fibrous tissue located in the middle of the back and providing stability and thermoregulation; some marine mammals do not have a dorsal fin.

tail

Terminal part of the body whose vertical movements propel the dolphin; the tail is controlled by powerful muscles inserted in the vertebral column.

caudal fin

Powerful swimming appendage with two lobes formed of dense fibrous tissue located vertically at the posterior terminal part of the body; its function is propulsion.

pectoral fin

Swimming appendage made of bone that ensures stability, orientation, stopping and thermoregulation.

eye

Organ of sight located on the side of the head adapted equally well to seeing in or out of water.

mouth

Anterior cavity of the digestive tract formed by the maxilla and the mandible allowing ingestion of food.