Interior Anatomy

Explore the realms of the deep

The endless sea awaits

Dive inside a sponge

As balance its body demonstrates

 

While the exterior layer induces water towards the sponge, the interior dimensions are the processing system of all this water. Each cell in the interior layers functions as an individual entity. However, these entities converge to produce a sponge. To give an omniscient perspective of a sponge's interior, we'll divide it into two divisions. The first division is a central cavity, and the second is the combination of the cells surrounding this cavity. All the cells are essential for maintaining life. Below are descriptions of the cells/ collections of cells within a sponge. When the cells interact between and within the two previously mentioned divisions, amazing things start happening- animal life functions are performed within an organism that was considered a plant until 1765!

 

Here is a list of the various body parts of a sponge. Refer to the diagram on the page to understand the text:

 

1) Archaeocytes- Within sponges, archaeocytes are an integral and vital detail. Basically, they perform every single task that the other types of cells do. However, they may transmute into any type of cell to perform the tasks and fulfill the necessities of the sponge. They transport nutrients, aid in reproduction, etc, and they resemble amoebas.

 

2) Choanocytes- Thse collared flagellate cells consist of a long, whip-like flagellum and a collar of cells surrounding this. As the sponge filters water through the spongocoel, the flagella capture food. The movement produces the filtering process, moving the water through the canals. Amazingly, these resemble a group of protists known as choanoflagetta!

 

3) Sclerocytes- Sclerocytes produce spicules by releasing such materials as calcium carbonate, etc. Once such substances have been secreted, they accumulate, generating a spicule.

 

4) Spongocytes- As could be inferred, these cells produce the spongin fiber within the sponge, hence the name.

 

5) Mesenchyme/Mesohyl- This is a space found within the two layers. It contains various parts of the sponge.

 

6) Atrial cavity- This is a voluminous inner cavity which acts as the beginning of the principle excurrent duct, also known as the osculum. Depending upon structural grade, this cavity is less prominent in dimensions as the sponge develops in complexity. All water from canals usually flow through this area.