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Updated: May 8, 2026
11:25
A Millimeter Scale Flexural Testing System for Measuring the Mechanical Properties of Marine Sponge Spicules
Published on: October 11, 2017
Comparing dynamic connective tissue in echinoderms and sponges: morphological and mechanical aspects and
Michela Sugni1, Dario Fassini1, Alice Barbaglio1
1Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy.
Marine Environmental Research
|September 7, 2013
Summary
Echinoderms and sponges have adaptable collagenous tissues for defense and regeneration. However, their sensitivity to environmental changes poses a vulnerability to these unique marine invertebrates.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Echinoderms and sponges possess unique collagenous tissues with adaptable viscoelastic properties.
- These tissues function as connective tissues, containing collagen fibrils, fibroblast- and fibroclast-like cells.
- Echinoderms exhibit unusual neurosecretory-like cells within these tissues, receiving motor innervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the mechanisms behind the adaptability of collagenous tissues in echinoderms and sponges.
- To understand the biomechanical changes these tissues undergo for defense and regeneration.
- To assess the implications of environmental changes on these unique invertebrate tissues.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of collagenous tissues.
- Biomechanical testing to assess viscoelastic properties.
- Investigation of cellular components and innervation patterns.
Main Results:
- Collagenous tissues exhibit adaptable viscoelastic properties, crucial for survival.
- Biomechanical changes allow for rapid stiffening against predators and autotomy for regeneration.
- These tissues are responsive to ionic composition and temperature variations.
Conclusions:
- The adaptable collagenous tissues provide significant advantages for echinoderms and sponges in predator avoidance and regeneration.
- The sensitivity of these tissues to environmental factors highlights a potential vulnerability to global climate change.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms of tissue adaptability and its ecological implications.
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