Vertex Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary

vertex
1. (Science: anatomy) A turning point; the principal or highest point; top; summit; crown; apex. Specifically: the top, or crown, of the head.
2. (Science: astronomy) The zenith, or the point of the heavens directly overhead.
3. (Science: mathematics) The point in any figure opposite to, and farthest from, the base; the terminating point of some particular line or lines in a figure or a curve; the top, or the point opposite the base. Vertex of a curve, the point in which the axis pierces the surface.
The principal vertex of a conic section is, in the parabola, the vertex of the axis of the curve: in the ellipse, either extremity of either axis, but usually the left–hand vertex of the transverse axis; in the hyperbola, either vertex, but usually the right-hand vertex of the transverse axis.
Origin: L. Vertex, -icis, a whirl, top of the head, top, summit, from vertere to turn. See Verse, and cf. Vortex.

Human Reproduction and Fertilization

For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..

Human Biology – Food and Digestion

This tutorial recognizes the importance of food as a source of energy that will fuel many biological processes. A good d..

Biological Cell Defense

Organisms employ different strategies to boost its defenses against antigens. Humans have an immune system to combat pat..

Evolution of Life – Ancient Earth

Autotrophs flourished, absorbing carbon and light. Soon after, primitive life forms that could assimilate oxygen thrived..

Roots

This study guide tackles plant roots in greater detail. It delves into the development of plant roots, the root structur..

Water in Plants

The movement of molecules (specifically, water and solutes) is vital to the understanding of plant processes. This tuto..

You will also like...