Cuplike structures on echinoderms that draw water in. 524
n. Tubular extensions of the internal watervascular system of echinoderms that aid in locomotion, respiration, and grasping.
In echinoderms, these are tiny hollow tubes. An echinoderm changes the shape of its tube feet by adjusting the water pressure in the tube feet. Tube feet often end in suckers. Tube feet may be used to cling to things, gather food, excrete wastes, breathe and sense chemicals.
The locomotory organs of Echinoderms, which are protruded from the body by, and are retracted by, fluid pressure from the water vascular system.
The small projections underneath such animals as starfish which provide them with locomotion.
Extensions of the water-vascular system of echinoderms, protruding from the body and often ending in suckers. May be used for locomotion and/or for maintaining a tight grip on prey or on the bottom.
Tube feet are the many small tubular projections found most famously on the ventral face of a starfish's arms, but are characteristic of the water vascular system of the echinoderm phylum which also includes sea urchins, sand dollars and sea cucumbers and many other sea creatures.
