lophophore

views updated Jun 11 2018

lophophore In invertebrates (e.g. Brachiopoda and Bryozoa), the circular or horseshoe-shaped feeding organ composed of ciliated tentacles surrounding the mouth. Each tentacle is hollow and contains an outgrowth of the coelom which keeps it rigid. The cilia drive a current of water through the lophophore, and plankton is collected in the process.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

lophophore

views updated May 08 2018

lophophore See BRACHIOPODA; BRYOZOA; and PTEROBRANCHIA.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

lophophore

views updated May 18 2018

lophophore An organ characteristic of aquatic invertebrates of the phyla Bryozoa, Phoronida, and Brachiopoda that functions in filter feeding. It consists of a ridge of hollow tentacles bearing cilia, which waft food particles into the mouth.

A Dictionary of Biology