The hemal arch, also known as chevron bones, is a structure found in the spines of certain vertebrates. These bones are located on the ventral side of the vertebral column and provide support to the tail region. There are a few synonyms that can be used for hemal arch, such as haemal arch, haemal spine, or caudal vertebrae. The term "haemal" simply refers to the blood vessels that run through the arch. In some species, such as dinosaurs and extinct marine reptiles, the hemal arch is fused to the vertebral centrum creating a single structure known as the hema-centrum. Synonyms help to expand on our vocabulary and give us options for expressing concepts in a more precise manner.