The word "ambulacral" is spelt /æmˈbjʊləkrəl/ according to the IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the Latin word "ambulacrum", meaning "walking place". The spelling of the word follows typical English conventions, with the letters "a", "m", "b", "u", "l", "c", "r", and "l" being pronounced in that order. The stress falls on the second syllable (/ˈbjʊlə/), which is typically pronounced with a short u and an unstressed schwa sound at the end. Ambulacral refers to a part of a creature's body that is used for movement, such as a sea urchin's tube feet.
Ambulacral is an adjective that refers to or is related to the ambulacra, which are radial areas or grooves found primarily in echinoderms, such as sea stars or sea urchins. The ambulacral areas contain numerous tube feet or spines that these organisms use for locomotion, respiration, feeding, and sensory perception.
In echinoderms, the ambulacral system is a network of fluid-filled canals that run along the length of each arm or ray. The radial symmetry of these creatures is most evident in the arrangement of their ambulacral areas, which extend from the central disk to the tips of their arms. The tube feet within these areas are under hydraulic pressure, allowing for movement and attachment to various surfaces. These tube feet can also be used to grasp and manipulate prey or other objects.
The ambulacral regions are essential for the survival and functioning of echinoderms. They facilitate gas exchange by transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body, assist in feeding by capturing and transferring food particles to the mouth, and serve as a sensory mechanism, detecting changes in the environment and conveying this information to the nervous system.
In summary, ambulacral relates to the intricate system of canals, tube feet, and grooves found in echinoderms. These structures play a vital role in the movement, respiration, feeding, and perception of these fascinating marine organisms.
Pert. to.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ambulacral" is derived from the Latin term "ambulacrum", which means "a place for walking" or "passage". It is formed by combining "ambulare", meaning "to walk", and the suffix "-acral", which denotes a relationship or association. "Ambulacral" is commonly used in biology and refers to the areas or structures related to locomotion or movement, especially in echinoderms, where it describes the radial areas bearing tube feet.