The Phylum Echinodermata
A Brief Overview
The Phylum Echinodermata contains invertabrate marine animals, characterized by a hard, spiny covering or skin. Enchinodermata play a very important role in nature, as they are scavangers of decaying matter on the seafloor, and they prey upon a variety of small organisms. Echinodermata have a very complex circulatory system as they have three largely independent fluid systems, which are the medium for internal transport. The circulatory currents are prepared by the cells of the coelomic lining distributing nutrients from the gut to the body wall. The blood vascular system is reduced and consists of small, fluid filled sinuses, the most prominent of which accompany the intenstine and supply it through numerous smaller channels. Species of the Phylum Enchinodermata often lack a heart, and do not have any respitory pigment in its blood, such as hemoglobin. The circulatory system of the Phylum Enchinodermata resembles that of Porifera, as both phylums have species which lack a heart. However, the circulatory systems of enchinodermata are more evolved than that of the porifera.
The Phylum Echinodermata contains invertabrate marine animals, characterized by a hard, spiny covering or skin. Enchinodermata play a very important role in nature, as they are scavangers of decaying matter on the seafloor, and they prey upon a variety of small organisms. Echinodermata have a very complex circulatory system as they have three largely independent fluid systems, which are the medium for internal transport. The circulatory currents are prepared by the cells of the coelomic lining distributing nutrients from the gut to the body wall. The blood vascular system is reduced and consists of small, fluid filled sinuses, the most prominent of which accompany the intenstine and supply it through numerous smaller channels. Species of the Phylum Enchinodermata often lack a heart, and do not have any respitory pigment in its blood, such as hemoglobin. The circulatory system of the Phylum Enchinodermata resembles that of Porifera, as both phylums have species which lack a heart. However, the circulatory systems of enchinodermata are more evolved than that of the porifera.
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Isostichopus badinotus (Sea Cucumber)
Isostichopus badinotus have a very developed water-vascular system, which consists of small, fluid filled sinuses. The most important feature are the dorsal and ventral sinuses, which supply the intestine with fluids and water in order to help the organism function. As the dorsal sinus contracts, fluid is sent through the intestines, and through to the ventral sinus.
Isostichopus badinotus have a very developed water-vascular system, which consists of small, fluid filled sinuses. The most important feature are the dorsal and ventral sinuses, which supply the intestine with fluids and water in order to help the organism function. As the dorsal sinus contracts, fluid is sent through the intestines, and through to the ventral sinus.
![Picture](/uploads/2/0/0/6/20069161/6024713.jpg)
Asterias rubens (Starfish)
The starfish lacks a true heart, and does not contain a circulatory system. However, similar to the Phylum Porifera, starfish have many pores which are used in its water-vascular system. The water-vascular system of the starfish serves as its circulatory system, and functions as a means of locomotion and respiration.
The starfish lacks a true heart, and does not contain a circulatory system. However, similar to the Phylum Porifera, starfish have many pores which are used in its water-vascular system. The water-vascular system of the starfish serves as its circulatory system, and functions as a means of locomotion and respiration.
![Picture](/uploads/2/0/0/6/20069161/3639738.jpg)
Arbacia punctulata (Sea Urchin)
Like other echinodermata, sea urchins lack a tue heart, and do not use a full respitory system. The sea urchin, like most other members of its phylum, uses a water-vascular system. This uses a nerwork of fluid-filled canals, which help the urchin function in gas exchange, feeding, sensory reception and locomotion.
Like other echinodermata, sea urchins lack a tue heart, and do not use a full respitory system. The sea urchin, like most other members of its phylum, uses a water-vascular system. This uses a nerwork of fluid-filled canals, which help the urchin function in gas exchange, feeding, sensory reception and locomotion.