choanocyte

American  

[koh-uh-nuh-sahyt, koh-an-uh-] / ˈkoʊ ə nəˌsaɪt, koʊˈæn ə- /

noun

Zoology.

1. one of the flagellated cells lining the inner cavity of a sponge, having a collar of protoplasm encircling the base of the flagellum.

---

choanocyte British  

/ ˈkəʊənəˌsaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: collar cell.  any of the flagellated cells in sponges that maintain a flow of water through the body. A collar of protoplasm surrounds the base of the flagellum

---

Other Word Forms

• choanocytal adjective

Etymology

Origin of choanocyte

1885–90; < Greek choán ( ē ) funnel + -o- + -cyte

Example Sentences

Sponges also have a type of specialized cell called a choanocyte, which resembles choanoflagellates—the single-celled relatives of more complex life.

From Science Magazine • May 17, 2023

Some protist species called choanoflagellates closely resemble the choanocyte cells in the simplest animals, sponges.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The structure of a choanocyte is critical to its function, which is to generate a water current through the sponge and to trap and ingest food particles by phagocytosis.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The image on the right shows a sponge choanocyte cell that lines in inside of a sponge.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

The cell body of the choanocyte is embedded in mesohyl but protruding into the spongocoel is a mesh-like collar surrounding a single flagellum.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013