Regeneration in Echinoderms
Physiology of Regeneration


Holothuroidea

Mechanism
- Epimorphosis and Morphallaxis
Type of Cell(s) Responsible


- Stem cells (coelomocytes)

- Differentiated endodermal and mesodermal cells

Regeneration in Holothuroidea has been explored less. Available studies suggest that regeneration is initiated with the formation of a blastemal structure at the site of the new digestive tube following evisceration (epimorphosis). Regeneration continues with migration of differentiated endodermal and mesodermal cells to the site of the blastemal structure. [4], [5], [12]

Regeneration of the digestive tube in Holothurians is a remarkly rapid process following evisceration (autotomy of the viscera). [8]
Image provided by [10] and adapted for this website.



jubedoya@davidson.edu