Body Processes of Sponges

Considered rather primitive
And once thought to be of the plant kingdom
The body processes of sponges are almost invisible
But not a source of boredom

Within a sponge, there is an intriguing body structure. While the sponge functions as a unified organism, each cell is a division of its own mini-organism. Essentially, a sponge is a combination of billions of cells that function together. Within the body of the sponge, several processes occur which are vital to its welfare. Most importantly, sponges conduct the processes of respiration, digestion, protection, development, and reproduction.

All of these processes are generated by the consistent filtration of the water encompassing it. Through an intricate system of incurrent and afferent ducts, it processes food, oxygen, and other useful materials. The exterior layer of skin is covered in pinacocytes, which open the afferent ducts. In addition, the afferent ducts allow water to be transferred through the porocytes. The functions of the afferent ducts are regulated by the myocytes, muscular cells that permit them to open and close. After this the water travels through the incurrent ducts.

Within the system of incurrent ducts, water is processed for useful materials. The interior layer of tissue forces the water through the ostioles into chambers lined with choanae and flagellates. Eventually, water is directed towards the atrial cavity. After the water is processed through the atrial cavity and removed of a sufficient amount of oxygen, it is released through the osculum. The osculum is a relatively maximized opening in the body of the sponge. At this point in filtration, waste water will be ejected.