Schizocoely
Development process of some animals
- 1 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Etymology
The term schizocoely derives from the Ancient Greek words σχίζω (skhízō), meaning 'to split', and κοιλία (koilía), meaning 'cavity'. This refers to the fact that fluid-filled body cavities are formed by splitting of mesodermal cells.
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Taxonomic distribution
Animals called protostomes develop through schizocoely for which they are also known as schizocoelomates.
Schizocoelous development often occurs in protostomes, as in phyla Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda. Deuterostomes usually exhibit enterocoely; however, some deuterostomes like enteropneusts can exhibit schizocoely as well.
Embryonic development
The term refers to the order of organization of cells in the gastrula leading to development of the coelom. In mollusks, annelids, and arthropods, the mesoderm (the middle germ layer) forms as a solid mass of migrated cells from the single layer of the gastrula. The new mesoderm then splits, creating the pocket-like cavity of the coelom.