sponges (zoology)

HYDROSTATIC-SKELETON

A support structure that uses water pressure to keep the animals shape.

RADIAL-SYMMETRY

Animal can be divided up around a central rotational axis.

BILATERAL-SYMMETRY

Animal has mirror image right and left sides, and can be divided only along a central axis.

CEPHALIZATION

Having a centralized nervous system at the front of the body, like a head.

ASYMETRICAL

Irregular in shape.

ASCONOID

Simplest sponge body structure. Tube or vase shaped, with very few cell layers. Very small size due to limited surface area.

LEUCONOID

Sponge body type containing a network of chambers for the inlet and outlet of water. Allows them to grow larger and in different formations.

SYCONOID

Sponge with a body wall that is pocketed with choanocytes. The pockets are attached to ostia and increase the pumping capacity of the sponge, allowing it to grow larger.

CHOANOCYTES

collar cells. Beat their flagellum to draw in water.

SPONGIN

flexible protein fiber that makes up sponges.

MEDUSA

free floating bell shaped form of jellyfish.

NEMATOCYSTS

harpoon like stinging cells contained within the cnidocytes.

OSCULUM

larger opening through which water exits.

SESSILE

remaining in one spot for their whole life.

AMOEBOCYTES

sponge cells that absorb nutrients.

CNIDOCYTES

stinging cells.

BASAL-DISK

structure that forms a sticky substance and allows for attachment to an area.

SPICULE

tiny calcium or silica needles.

OSTIUM

tiny pores through which water enters.

POLYP

tube like, sessile form of a jellyfish.