osculum

(noun)

an opening in a sponge from which water is expelled

Related Terms

  • choanocyte
  • mesohyl
  • spongocoel

Examples of osculum in the following topics:

  • Morphology of Sponges

    • Water entering the spongocoel is extruded via a large, common opening called the osculum.
    • In addition to the osculum, sponges have multiple pores called ostia on their bodies that allow water to enter the sponge.
    • The cumulative effect of the flagella from all choanocytes aids the movement of water through the sponge: drawing water into the sponge through the numerous ostia, into the spaces lined by choanocytes, and eventually out through the osculum (or osculi).
    • Finally, choanocytes will differentiate into sperm for sexual reproduction; they will become dislodged from the mesohyl, leaving the sponge with expelled water through the osculum.
  • Physiological Processes in Sponges

    • Their food is trapped when water passes through the ostia and out through the osculum.
    • Oocytes arise by the differentiation of amoebocytes and are retained within the spongocoel, whereas spermatozoa result from the differentiation of choanocytes and are ejected via the osculum.
    • Early larval development occurs within the sponge; free-swimming larvae are then released via the osculum.
    • In a sponge, water enters through the body pores and exits in the direction of the osculum (direction of blue arrow).
  • Phylum Porifera

    • The shapes of their bodies are adapted for maximal efficiency of water flow through the central cavity, where nutrients are deposited, and leaves through a hole called the osculum.
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