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.

lophophore

views updated May 08 2018

lophophore See BRACHIOPODA; BRYOZOA; and PTEROBRANCHIA.

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.