Tissue Cell 1992 Jan 01;241:111-9. doi: 10.1016/0040-8166(92)90085-l.

Ultrastructure of the tube-foot of an ophiuroid echinoderm, Hemipholis elongata.

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The morphology of the tube-foot of the brittlestar, Hemipholis elongata was examined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The entire surface of the tube-foot is covered by microvilli and a thick cuticle layer. At the tip of the tube-foot the cuticle layer is thinner and sensory-secretory complexes are seen. These are composed of two secretary cells and a central ciliated sensory cell. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the cilium which extends from the receptor cell ends flush with the surrounding microvilli. These studies suggest that the tube-feet in ophiuroids are important structures in sensory-reception, gas-exchange as well as locomotion. The hemoglobin containing cells within the lumen of the tube-feet may serve in oxygen transport and storage.

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Genes referenced: LOC115919910