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sponge 
Porous multicell organism, mostly marine (currently about 5,000 species); it anchors itself to a support and filters water to take in food particles.
anatomy of a sponge
pinacocyte
Flat ectodermal cell forming the outer covering of the sponge.
spongocoel
Hollow portion of the sponge covered with choanocytes, in which water circulates before exiting through the osculum.
mesohyl
Gelatinous substance, rich in water, located between the ectoderm and the endoderm.
endoderm
Inner layer of the sponge formed of cells (choanocytes) whose role is mainly to feed the organism.
ectoderm
Outer layer of the sponge formed of cells (pinacocytes) whose role is mainly to protect the organism.
incurrent pore
Opening into the gastric cavity, through which water enters the sponge.
osculum
Large opening protected by spicules, through which the sponge discharges water from the gastric cavity.
water flow
Choanocyte flagella allow water to move inside the sponge, carrying oxygen and food particles to it.
choanocyte
Inner cell having a filament (flagellum), which allows water to circulate and food particles to be caught and digested.
calcareous sponge
Marine sponge with a skeleton composed of small calcareous needles (spicules).
