Arched vaults. They are also called ribs — they look like the protruding ribs of the frame. The vaults became the main element that distinguished Gothic architecture from what had been built earlier. The ribs made it possible to lighten the structures, but at the same time they created a bizarre pattern and a play of shadows.

Arkbutans. Heavy walls were abandoned in Gothic buildings, but the load on the frame was still high — due to the height of the cathedrals. The arquebutans served as supporting external elements. They look like slender stone semi-arches that transfer the load to the support post.

Buttresses. This is the name of the entire external support system — they account for the main weight of the Gothic temple. As a rule, this is a vertical support fastened with an arcbutane, so the top of the structure, which can be multi—stage, is strengthened and does not collapse.

Pinacles. A narrow tower with a pointed top. Such elements give the building rigor, elegance and at the s