Pinacocyte
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
- ^ S2CID 9930528.
- ^ S2CID 92562184.
- ^ "28.1: Phylum Porifera". Biology LibreTexts. 2015-11-02. Retrieved 2020-12-03.