FLAME CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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Flame cells, also known as protonephridia, are specialized excretory cells found in certain lower invertebrates, particularly flatworms (phylum Platyhelminthes). These cells are responsible for removing waste materials from the body fluid and regulating osmotic balance in these organisms.
Flame cells derive their name from the appearance of the beating cilia that line their tubules, resembling flickering flames. These tubules are connected to a network of smaller tubes that collect waste products from the body cavity. The cilia create a swirling motion within the tubules, driving the waste fluid forward and out of the organism.
The function of flame cells is closely linked to the osmoregulatory system of these organisms. By selectively filtering the body fluid and excreting excess water or waste products, flame cells help maintain the internal environment of the organism in a balanced state. They also serve as a means of regulating electrolyte concentrations, which are important for normal cellular function.
Flame cells are considered to be a primitive excretory system, lacking the complexity of higher invertebrate structures such as nephrons. However, they play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and removing metabolic waste products from the body fluid. The presence of flame cells is an adaptation to the aquatic habitat of these organisms, allowing them to thrive in environments with varying osmotic pressures.
Common Misspellings for FLAME CELLS
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Etymology of FLAME CELLS
The term "flame cells" originated from the Latin word "flamma", meaning flame. It refers to the appearance of the cells when observed under a microscope, as they resemble flickering flames. The name was first used by the German zoologist Rudolf Leuckart in the 19th century to describe specialized cells found in certain organisms, such as flatworms (Platyhelminthes). These flame cells, also known as protonephridia, are part of an excretory system responsible for osmoregulation and filtering waste materials from the body fluids.
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