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Identification Definitions

The following diagram displays the most commonly used terms when referring to the orientation of an organism.

Anterior

Refers to the front or the head on the body of the organism.

Costal Grooves

The vertical folds on the sides of many salamanders (see fig.).

Dorsal

Refers to the "back" of the animal.

Dorsolateral

Refers to something between the back and the side of the organism.

Dorsolateral Folds

Lines of raised glandular skin in an area between the back and the sides.

Dorsum

The back of the animal.

Interorbital

Between the eyes.

Lateral

Refers to the sides of the organism.

Middorsal

Refers to the center of the back.

Parotid Gland

Large wart like galnd located behind the eye in some toads and salamanders.

Posterior

Refers to the caudal or rear of the body of the animal.

Postorbital

Behind the eyes.

Venter

The belly of the organism.

Ventral

Refers to the "belly" or underside of the animal.

Cranial Crests or Ridges. Raised ridges or crests on the head located behind and/or between the eyes in some toads.

Costal Grooves in Salamanders. The number of folds is often constant or within a constant range for a given species. Counting them can help with species identification.