Dolphin anatomy begins with some basic terms. These pages will refer to these terms, so it is helpful to be familiar with them.

Directions (up down front and back)

First, it is important to know the terms we use to refer to which direction something is on a dolphin. 

Dorsal – comes from the latin “dorsum” meaning back. So something that is dorsal is on the back (or top) of the dolphin.

Rostral – referring to the rostrum or “beak”, this means toward or closer to the front of the dolphin. Sometimes the term “anterior” will also be used to refer to the rostral direction.

Ventral – comes from the latin “venter” meaning belly. So something that is ventral is on the belly side (or bottom) of the dolphin.

Caudal – as you can probably guess from the pattern so far, this word comes from the latin word “cauda” meaning tail. Something that is caudal is closer to the tail or flukes of the dolphin. On occasion, the word “posterior” will also be used to refer to the caudal direction.

The Tail

The tail of a dolphin is actually a somewhat complex machine, providing dolphins with immense power and control with their tail.

The Penducle contains several sets of muscles. Dolphins actual use the upstroke as their power stroke, and several muscles combine to provide evenly distributed strength to the upstroke of the flukes. 

The Flukes

Dolphins have two flukes, a left fluke and a right fluke. Where the flukes meet in the middle is called the median notch. Where the back meets the flukes is called the median arch.

The flukes are made up of a fibrous connective tissue, as are the dorsal and pectoral fins. There are no bones in the flukes or the dorsal fin, though the pectoral fins contain many bones.

Head

Dolphins have between 80 and 100 teeth, though that number varies considerably by species.

Dolphins eyes are on the sides of their head, and so they operate independently. As a result, they can focus on two things at the same time, and with peripheral vision, have an approximately 300 degree view at all times.

Dorsal fin

The dorsal fin provides balance for the dolphin as it swims by preventing role, much like the keel of a ship.

Along with the flukes and pectoral fins, one of the functions of the dorsal fin is to regulate body temperature.

Skeletal Structure

A detailed description of the dolphin skeleton with the names of bones and their purposes. Graphics for this information are in the works now.

Digestive and Respiratory Systems

Information about these systems will include helpful diagrams like the one above.

Head, Melon, Echolocation

One of the most interesting parts of a dolphin is their echolocation abilities.