What is the meaning of sponge in biology?

sponge. [ spŭnj ] Any of numerous aquatic, chiefly marine invertebrate animals of the phylum Porifera. Sponges characteristically have a porous skeleton, usually containing an intricate system of canals, that is composed of fibrous material or siliceous or calcareous spicules.

What does sponge mean?

English Language Learners Definition of sponge (Entry 1 of 2) : a piece of light natural or artificial material that becomes soft when it is wet, is able to take in and hold liquid, and is used for washing or cleaning. : a type of sea animal from which natural sponges are made.

What is sponging in medical terms?

1. A piece of absorbent porous material, such as cellulose, plastic, or rubber, used especially for washing and cleaning. 2. A gauze pad used to absorb blood and other fluids, as in surgery or in dressing a wound.

Why is it called a sponge?

The name porifera means ‘pore bearer’ in Latin (a pore is a tiny hole). A sponge’s body is covered by a skin, one cell thick. This skin has lots of small pores and a few large openings. The small openings are the entrances to a complex system of channels.

What does Sponch stand for in Science category?

SPONCH stands for Sulfur, Phosphorus, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Carbon, Hydrogen (key elements that compose living things) Suggest new definition. This definition appears very rarely and is found in the following Acronym Finder categories: Science, medicine, engineering, etc. Slang/chat, popular culture.

How is spongy bone converted to compact bone?

Spongy bone can be converted to compact bone by the action of osteoblasts, bone cells that secrete the material that creates the compact bone matrix. It is through this process that the long bones in a human embryo develop.

What is the function of spongy bone in bone marrow?

Functions of Spongy Bone Storage of Bone Marrow Bone marrow, also called myeloid tissue, is formed when the trabecular matrix crowds blood vessels together and they condense. While compact bone is denser and has fewer open spaces, spongy bone is ideal for making and storing bone marrow within the lattice-like trabeculae network.

Where are the spongy bones located in the body?

Spongy bone is usually located at the ends of the long bones (the epiphyses), with the harder compact bone surrounding it. It is also found inside the vertebrae, in the ribs, in the skull and in the bones of the joints.