Structured Summary
Abstract
The phylum of sponges which are sessile, suspension-feeding, multicellular animals that utilize flagellated cells called choanocytes to circulate water. Most are hermaphroditic. They are probably an early evolutionary side branch that gave rise to no other group of animals. Except for about 150 freshwater species, sponges are marine animals. They are a source of ALKALOIDS; STEROLS; and other complex molecules useful in medicine and biological research.
MeSH Record
Classification
Broader headings
Related Concepts
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MeSH Record
Synonyms
6 entry terms
- Sponge (Zoology)
- Sponges
- Sponges (Zoology)
- Poriferas
- Sponge
- Demospongiae
MeSH Record
Aspects Covered
18 allowable subheadings
Indexed with the subheadings anatomy & histology, chemistry, classification, cytology, drug effects, embryology, enzymology, genetics, growth & development, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathogenicity, physiology, radiation effects, ultrastructure, virology.
MeSH Hierarchy
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AMA Style
References
- National Library of Medicine. Porifera. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D011161. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D011161
- Porifera. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sponge
- Porifera. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18960