mesohyl

(noun)

the gelatinous matrix within a sponge

Related Terms

Examples of mesohyl in the following topics:

  • Morphology of Sponges

    • Pinacocytes, which are epithelial-like cells, form the outermost layer of sponges, enclosing a jelly-like substance called mesohyl.
    • Mesohyl is an extracellular matrix consisting of a collagen-like gel with suspended cells that perform various functions.
    • The gel-like consistency of mesohyl acts as an endoskeleton, maintaining the tubular morphology of sponges.
    • The cell body is embedded in mesohyl.
    • These cells produce collagen to maintain the consistency of the mesohyl.

  • Physiological Processes in Sponges

    • The collagen that is normally found in the mesohyl becomes the outer protective layer.
    • Spermatozoa carried along by water currents can fertilize the oocytes borne in the mesohyl of other sponges.