The Ciliary Feeding Mechanism of the Ento-proct Polyzoa, and a comparison with that of the Ectoproct Polyzoa

Abstract

An account is given of the ciliary feeding mechanism of the Entoproct Polyzoa, and of the structure of the lophophore and tentacles. The long lateral cilia cause a current of water to pass inwards between the tentacles, and throw particles on to the short frontal cilia of the inner surface, which carry them to the vestibular groove leading to the mouth. The behaviour of the lateral cilia of the tentacles of L. crassicauda is described, and it is suggested that they are under the nervous control of the animal. A résumé of Borg's work on the ciliary feeding mechanism of the Ectoprocta is given, a note on Flustrella hispida being added. It is pointed out that the method of feeding in this group differs widely from that of the Entoprocta.