ACOELOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Acoelous is an adjective used in anatomy and biology to describe a specific characteristic or condition related to the structure and organization of certain organisms, particularly in reference to their skeletal systems. The term is commonly used to describe animals and plants that lack or exhibit a reduced degree of cephalic coelom, which is a fluid-filled cavity present near the head.
In more precise terms, acoelous refers to the condition where the centrum of a vertebra, which is the cylindrical bone disk forming the main part of the vertebra, does not possess any concave or convex surfaces. This means that the centrum lacks the specialized articulation surfaces that are typically found in other vertebrae, enabling them to fit together and provide flexibility and movement in the vertebral column. As a result, acoelous organisms often have limited or no capacity for bending or bending in specific directions, reducing their overall mobility and range of motion.
The term acoelous can also be applied to invertebrate organisms, such as worms or mollusks, where it signifies the absence of a coelom, a body cavity derived from the embryonic mesoderm. In these cases, acoelous organisms exhibit a simpler body plan and lack the compartmentalization of organs and specialized tissues seen in organisms with a coelom. This characteristic usually affects their overall body shape and internal organization, influencing their physiological functions and behavior.
In summary, acoelous refers to the absence or reduction of a specific structural feature, such as the concavity of a vertebra or the presence of a coelom, in certain organisms.
Common Misspellings for ACOELOUS
Etymology of ACOELOUS
The word "acoelous" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "koilos" meaning "hollow" or "cavity". In the context of biology, "acoelous" refers to a condition or characteristic of organisms (particularly invertebrates) that lack a coelom, which is a body cavity.
