Sea Star Anatomy

External

Central

(Arms)

Endoskeleton; ossicles

Water enters water vascular system

Endoskeleton; ossicles

Extensions of water vascular system; ampullae contracts for motion

A depression which contains tube feet

Internal Anatomy of Sea Star

Digestive gland

Sea Star Anatomy Questions

1. The mouth of a sea star is located on the ____________ surface. The anus and madreporite are located on the __________ surface.– Ventral; dorsal

2. What is the function of the madreporite (sieve plate)?– Regulate water into water vascular system

3. What is the function of the pedicellarias?– Respiration; wave action keeping skin free of

debris4. What are the eyespots of a sea star able to

sense?– Light

5. What are the extensions of the water-vascular system called?– Tube feet

6. List the four functions in which tube feet aid:– Respiration; locomotion; excretion; feeding

7. What do sea stars eat?– clams, oysters and fish

8. What is the function of the skin gills?– respiration

9. Describe the feeding process of a sea star– push stomach through mouth and engulfs prey

and brings it back10.The mouth of a sea star is located on the

ventral surface. Why is that an adaptive advantage for the sea star?– Sea stars are carnivorous and detritus feeders;

majority of food attaches to rock, i.e. coral polyps, clams)

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