Sponges (Porifera) Vocab

Pinacocytes

Thin, flat cells covering the outer surface of sponges

Porocytes

Pinacocyte cells in sponge body walls that regulate water

Mesohyl

A jelly-like layer of sponge below pinanocytes

Mesenchyme cells

Amoeboid cells within the mesohyl of a sponge; specialized for reproduction, secreting skeletal elements, transporting and storing food, and forming contractile rings.

Choanocytes

Colllar cells that create water currents and filter food

Spicules

sharp spikes forming the "skeleton"

Spongin

A fibrous collagenous material making up the skeletal network

Ascon

Vase-like sponge

Sycon

sponge where body walls appear folded

Leucon

Extensive branched canal system

Ostia

Outer openings on the body wall of sponges

Spongocoel

The large central cavity of sponges

Incurrent canals

Canal through which water enters a sponge

Archaeocytes

Ameboid cells that capture and digest food

Sclerocytes

Secrete mineralized, calcareous spicules

Collagen

Structural protein found in sponge skeletons

Monoecious

Has male and female reproductive organs

Dioecious

Has only male or female reproductive organs

Budding

Form of reproduction where the organism develops outgrowth or bud

Gemmules

Internal buds produced in unfavorable conditions