pedicle

The pedicle is a stalk-like organ found in brachiopods, which are marine invertebrates also known as lamp shells. This organ is crucial for their attachment to surfaces, such as pebbles or the seafloor. In some brachiopods, like Lingula, the pedicle is flexible and aids in burrowing and anchoring within their burrows.1

Brachiopods are characterized by two shells, or valves, and possess a lophophore, a feeding structure that filters food particles from seawater. While many brachiopod species are extinct, approximately 300 species exist today, found in all oceans. The pedicle's development varies between brachiopod groups, with different origins noted in larval stages.12