Tube feet
Tube feet
Tube feet (pronunciation: /tjuːb fiːt/) are small active tubular projections on the bodies of certain marine animals including echinoderms and some types of sea cucumbers. They are part of the water vascular system.
Etymology
The term "tube feet" originates from the Latin words 'tubus' meaning 'tube' and 'pes' meaning 'foot'. It was first used in the early 19th century to describe the unique locomotive structures found in echinoderms.
Function
Tube feet function in locomotion, feeding, and respiration. They are filled with sea water, which the animal can pump in or out, causing the tube foot to extend or contract. The end of the tube foot often has a suction cup for adhesion to surfaces.
Structure
Tube feet are composed of a long, slender stalk, and a flattened tip which may bear a suction cup. They are part of the water vascular system, a hydraulic system used by echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins.
Related Terms
- Echinoderm: A group of marine animals that includes starfish, sea urchins, and others. They are characterized by radial symmetry and a water vascular system, which includes the tube feet.
- Water vascular system: A hydraulic system used by echinoderms. It consists of a network of water-filled canals and is used for locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange.
- Starfish: A type of echinoderm characterized by its star-like shape. Starfish have numerous tube feet on their undersides, which they use for movement and feeding.
- Sea urchin: Another type of echinoderm, sea urchins also possess tube feet, which they use for movement and to manipulate their environment.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tube feet
- Wikipedia's article - Tube feet
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