Starfish Anatomy and Physiology Quiz

Starfish Anatomy and Physiology

• Asteroideas refers to true sea stars and sun stars.
• Starfish exhibit radial symmetry, allowing them to have multiple similar parts arranged around a central axis.
• The upper surface of the starfish is called the aboral surface, while the lower surface is known as the oral surface.

Structural Features

• The mouth is located on the oral surface.
• The madreporite is an important structure found on the aboral surface, playing a key role in the water vascular system.
• Suckers are present on the oral surface, enabling the starfish to adhere to surfaces and prey.
• Oral spines are located on the aboral surface, aiding in defense and feeding.
• Eyespots can be found on the oral surface, allowing the starfish to sense light.

Water Vascular System

• Water travels around a central ring and extends into the arms (legs) of the starfish through the water vascular system.
• The ampulla part of the tube foot creates suction to help starfish open clams when feeding.

Reproductive System

• Gonads may appear larger due to differences in reproductive organs between male and female starfish.

Skeletal Structure

• Starfish possess an endoskeleton, composed of bony plates called ossicles.
• The pyloric caeca constitutes finger-like projections located in the stomach, serving a digestive function.
• The stomach is centralized within the starfish structure, specifically in the central ring circle.

Feeding Mechanism

• Starfish can evert their stomach through the mouth to ingest prey, such as clams and oysters.

Biological Classification

• Starfish belong to the Kingdom Animalia.
• They are classified under the Phylum Echinodermata.
• The Class of starfish is Asteroideas.