Homosclerophorida

Homosclerophorida is an order of marine sponges in the class Homoscleromorpha. Its members have simple body organization and a distinctive basement membrane beneath their cell layers.

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Basement membrane: A basement membrane is a thin extracellular matrix layer supporting and separating cell sheets. Its presence beneath cell layers is a distinctive feature of homoscleromorph sponges.
Aquiferous system: An aquiferous system is the network of pores, canals, and chambers through which water circulates in a sponge. It moves food-bearing water through the body of homosclerophorid sponges.
Oscarella: Oscarella is a genus of homoscleromorph sponges, often lacking mineral spicules. Its species exemplify homosclerophorids with soft, simple body forms.
Sponge taxonomy: Sponge taxonomy classifies Porifera using morphological, developmental, and molecular evidence. Homosclerophorida’s rank and boundaries reflect revisions in sponge classification.
Pinacocyte: A pinacocyte is a flattened cell forming much of a sponge’s outer covering. Pinacocytes contribute to the simple outer cell layer of homosclerophorid bodies.
Ostium: An ostium is an opening through which water enters a sponge’s aquiferous system. Water enters homosclerophorid bodies through these small surface pores.
Plakina: Plakina is a genus of homoscleromorph sponges with distinctive siliceous spicules. Its skeletal elements illustrate variation within the order.
Porifera: Porifera is the animal phylum comprising sponges, aquatic filter feeders with porous bodies. Homosclerophorida belongs to this phylum of structurally simple animals.
Choanocyte: A choanocyte is a flagellated sponge cell that drives water flow and captures suspended food. Choanocytes line chambers where homosclerophorids filter food from passing water.
Osculum: An osculum is a large opening through which water exits a sponge. It provides the outlet for water after it passes through homosclerophorid chambers.