TERGUM

(Redirected from Tergite)
A 'tergum' (pl. terga) is the dorsal portion of an arthropod segment other than the head. The anterior edge is called the ''base'' and posterior edge is called the ''apex'' or ''margin''. A given tergum may be divided into several plates, called 'tergites'. (Lateral extension of the dorsal aspect of a tergite are called ''paranota''.) So, for example, in a thoracic segment, the tergum may be divided into an anterior notum and a posterior scutellum.
In crustaceans, it is known as a pleuron when it overhangs the insertion of the limb on each side as a free plate.
The ventral portion of a segment is called the sternum.