Rostrum (from Latin rostrum, meaning beak) is a term used in anatomy for several kinds of hard, beak-like structures projecting out from the head or mouth of an animal. Despite some visual similarity, many of these are phylogenetically unrelated structures in widely varying species.

Invertebrates

Vertebrates

In mammals, the rostrum is that part of the cranium located in front of the zygomatic arches, where it holds the teeth, palate, and nasal cavity. Additionally, the corpus callosum of the human brain has a nerve tract known as the rostrum. The beak or snout of a vertebrate may also be referred to as the rostrum.