pedicellaria
Quick Summary
Pedicellariae are minute, pincer-like organs found on the external surface of sea urchins and starfish. These structures are numerous and are believed to function in keeping the body clear of small parasites and other foreign objects. They are part of the skeletal system of echinoderms, which are marine invertebrates characterized by a five-part body symmetry. In sea urchins, pedicellariae, along with movable spines, arise from nodules on their test, or internal skeleton. These organs are absent in some echinoderm groups, such as crinoids, ophiuroids, and holothurians.1234
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echinodermAsexual reproduction…lost spines, pincerlike organs called pedicellariae, and small areas of the internal skeleton, or test.
Read More…lost spines, pincerlike organs called pedicellariae, and small areas of the internal skeleton, or test.
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echinodermSkeleton…well as pincerlike organs (pedicellariae) used in defense and in the removal of unwanted particles from the body. Pedicellariae, also found in the asteroids, are absent from crinoids, ophiuroids, and holothurians. The complex feeding apparatus (Aristotle’s lantern) of echinoids consists of 40 ossicles held together by muscles and collagenous…
Read More…well as pincerlike organs (pedicellariae) used in defense and in the removal of unwanted particles from the body. Pedicellariae, also found in the asteroids, are absent from crinoids, ophiuroids, and holothurians. The complex feeding apparatus (Aristotle’s lantern) of echinoids consists of 40 ossicles held together by muscles and collagenous…
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