Porocytes (pore cells)
the tube-like cell of sponges that forms a pore, or ostium; cells in sponges shaped like elongated donuts/tubes that allow food and water in
Porocytes, also known as pore cells, are specialized cells found in the body wall of sponges. They are responsible for forming and maintaining the pores or channels through which water flows into the sponge.
Porocytes are shaped like tubes and have a single opening on the exterior surface of the sponge. This opening, known as a porocyte ostium, allows water to enter the sponge and pass through its body.
The porocytes are able to control the size of the ostium by means of contractile fibers that surround the opening. When the fibers contract, the ostium becomes smaller, reducing the flow of water into the sponge. Conversely, when the fibers relax, the ostium becomes larger, allowing more water to enter.
Porocytes also play an important role in the filtration of particles from the incoming water. They are lined with fine cilia that help to trap particles and move them into the interior of the sponge for further processing by other specialized cells.
In summary, porocytes (pore cells) are a crucial component of the sponge body, responsible for regulating water flow and removing particles from the incoming water through their unique morphology and contractile abilities.
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