Pinacocyte

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Pinacocytes are flat

metazoan time period, which is, before porifera had evolved.[2]

Function

Pinacocytes are part of the epithelium in sponges. They play a role in movement (contracting and stretching), cell adhesion, signaling, phagocytosis, and polarity.[2] Pinacocytes are filled with mesohyl which is a gel like substance that helps maintain the shape and structure of the sponge.[3]

Types

Basipinacocytes

These are the cells in contact with the sponge's substrate (the surface to which it is attached).

Exopinacocytes

These are found on the exterior of the sponge. Exopinococytes produce spicules which is a needle like process that serves as structure for the organism.[1]

Endopinacocytes

These line the sponge's interior canals.

References

  1. ^
    S2CID 9930528
    .
  2. ^ .
  3. ^ "28.1: Phylum Porifera". Biology LibreTexts. 2015-11-02. Retrieved 2020-12-03.