Chevron (anatomy)

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Diplodocus chevron from Taylor Made Fossils

Chevron bones are a series of bones on the ventral side (underside) of the tail of many reptiles, dinosaurs (such as Diplodocus - see picture), and some mammals such as Kangaroos and Manatees.

Their main function is to protect critical elements in the tail such as nerves and blood vessels from being damaged when the animal either supports its weight on its tail, or pushes it against a hard surface to propel itself.