rhynchocoel

(noun)

a cavity which mostly runs above the midline and ends a little short of the rear of the body of a nemertean and extends or retracts the proboscis

Related Terms

Examples of rhynchocoel in the following topics:

  • Phylum Nemertea

    • Nemertea, or ribbon worms, are distinguished by their proboscis, used for capturing prey and enclosed in a cavity called a rhynchocoel.
    • A unique characteristic of this phylum is the presence of a proboscis enclosed in a rhynchocoel.
    • The proboscis may be extended or retracted by the retractor muscle attached to the wall of the rhynchocoel.
    • A mouth opening that is ventral to the rhynchocoel leads into the foregut, followed by the intestine.
    • The blood vessels are connected to the rhynchocoel.