Related Words

Coelom: In animals, a body cavity between the body wall and the digestive system that forms during preadult development.

Acoelomates: Animals that do not have a coelom or body cavity; e.g., sponges and flatworms.

Coelomates: Animals that have a coelom or body cavity lined with mesoderm.

Pseudocoelomates: Animals that have a body cavity that is in direct contact with the outer muscular layer of the body and does not arise by splitting of the mesoderm; e.g., roundworms.

Pseudocoelom: In nematodes, a closed fiuid-containing cavity that acts as a hydrostatic skeleton to maintain body shape, circulate nutrients, and hold the major body organs.