PHYLUM PORIFERA

Phylum Porifera- Asconoid Type Sponge: This simplest sponge type has it’s choanocytes located in it’s spongocoel. Note buds (asexual reproduction) and many oscula (plural of osculum) on this slide. [fig 1.3-A]

Phylum Porifera-Asconoid Type Sponge: note spicules, spongocoel, osculum & bud [fig 1.3-A]

Phylum Porifera- Asconoid Type Sponge: This simplest sponge type has it’s choanocytes located in it’s spongocoel. Its also a small sponge type. [fig 1.3-A]

Phylum Porifera- Syconoid Type Sponge: An example of a syconoid-type sponge.This sponge type has it’s choanocytes located in its radial canals. Note the prominent spicules [fig 1.4]

Phylum Porifera-Syconoid Type Sponge: a longitudinal & cross-sectional view. Note the osculum (A), spongocoel, radial canals & the choanocytes lining the radial canals. A magnified view of a radial canal showing individual choanocytes is included. [fig 1.4]

Phylum Porifera-Syconoid Type Sponge (CS): This is a close-up of a cross-section through the radial canals of a syconoid-type sponge. Note the radial canals, the choanocytes lining canals, & osculum [fig 1.4]

Phylum Porifera- Leuconoid Type Sponge: These are examples of the most complex sponge type. The choanocytes are located in the many flagellated chambers. Any large sponge is most likely a leuconoid- type sponge.