Flame cell

Specialized excretory cell in flatworms

A flame cell is a specialized excretory cell found in the simplest invertebrates, including flatworms such as planarians, tapeworms, and flukes. Flame cells function like a kidney, removing waste materials. Bundles of flame cells are called protonephridia.

Structure

Diagram of a flame cell

Flame cells are so named because the beating of the cilia within the cell resembles a flickering flame. Each flame cell consists of a hollow cell containing a tuft of rapidly beating cilia. The cilia project into a tubule that leads to the outside of the organism. The movement of the cilia draws waste fluids through a network of tubules and out of the body.

Function

Flame cells are primarily involved in the excretion of waste products and the regulation of osmotic balance. They filter and remove excess water and waste products from the body fluids of the organism. The waste is then expelled through a series of tubules that open to the exterior of the organism.

Location

Flame cells are distributed throughout the body of the organism, often in a network that spans the entire length of the body. This network is known as the protonephridial system.

Mechanism

The mechanism of waste removal in flame cells involves the beating of cilia, which creates a current that draws waste fluids into the tubule system. The waste is then transported through the tubules and expelled from the body. This process is essential for maintaining the organism's internal environment and preventing the accumulation of toxic substances.

Significance

Flame cells are an important adaptation for flatworms, allowing them to live in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial environments. By efficiently removing waste and regulating osmotic balance, flame cells help these organisms maintain homeostasis.

Related pages

• Excretory system
• Flatworm
• Planarian
• Tapeworm
• Fluke