Chapter 33.5, Problem 1CC

Summary Introduction

To describe: The mechanism of attachment of sea star tube feet to the substrate.

Concept introduction:

Sea star is a marine animal that belongs to the Phylum Echinodermata. Sea star is commonly known as star fish due to its resemblance to star. Echinoderms are marine animals with the radially symmetrical body. They are deuterostomes (organisms in which blastopore forms anus).

The body of sea star and other echinoderms possess a central disc with projected arms (usually five in number). All echinoderms possess a water vascular system that helps them in locomotion, respiration and food acquisition. Tube feet are components of water vascular system that helps in locomotion. Each tube foot comprises a podium and an ampulla.