reticulopodium

biology

Also known as: reticulopodia

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Reticulopodia are a type of pseudopodium, which are temporary or semipermanent extensions of cytoplasm used by certain single-celled organisms for locomotion and feeding. Specifically, reticulopodia are found in foraminiferans and are characterized by branching filaments that fuse to form a network. This network is particularly useful for trapping prey.12

Unlike blunt lobopodia or slender filopodia, reticulopodia are fine threads that can anastomose, meaning they connect with each other to create a dense mesh. This unique structure aids in capturing food particles. The movement of the entire reticulum propels the cell forward. Foraminiferans, which possess reticulopodia, are unicellular organisms that inhabit marine waters and have an extensive fossil record.123

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protist
Pseudopodia
Reticulopodia are fine threads that may not only branch but also anastomose to form a dense network, which is particularly useful in entrapping prey. Microtubules are involved in the mechanism of movement, and the continued migration of an entire reticulum carries the cell in the…
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Reticulopodia are fine threads that may not only branch but also anastomose to form a dense network, which is particularly useful in entrapping prey. Microtubules are involved in the mechanism of movement, and the continued migration of an entire reticulum carries the cell in the…
Read More

pseudopodial locomotion
Structures
Reticulopodia are branching filaments that form in foraminiferans; these structures can connect with one another to make dense networks. Axopodia are long and sticky pseudopodia with an internal rod made of microtubules; these are especially prominent in radiolarians and heliozoans.
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Reticulopodia are branching filaments that form in foraminiferans; these structures can connect with one another to make dense networks. Axopodia are long and sticky pseudopodia with an internal rod made of microtubules; these are especially prominent in radiolarians and heliozoans.
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pseudopodium
…occasionally forming simple, branched networks; reticulopodia, found in the foraminiferans, are branching filaments that fuse to form food traps; and axopodia, characteristic of the actinopods, are long and sticky (like reticulopodia) but radiate singly and have a stiff, internal rod composed of numerous microtubules. Lobopodia and filopodia are formed as…
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…occasionally forming simple, branched networks; reticulopodia, found in the foraminiferans, are branching filaments that fuse to form food traps; and axopodia, characteristic of the actinopods, are long and sticky (like reticulopodia) but radiate singly and have a stiff, internal rod composed of numerous microtubules. Lobopodia and filopodia are formed as…
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