Pinacocyte

Pinacocytes are flat cells found on the outermost layer (Pinacoderm) of a sponge (phylum Porifera).

Function

Pinacocytes are flattened cells containing many granules; capable of contracting. They are involved in the maintenance of the size and structure of sponge. They can expand and contract to slightly alter the size of the sponge, and can also produce.

Types

Following are the types of pinacocytes:

Basipinacocytes: They are in contact with the surface to which the sponge is attached.
Exopinacocytes: They are found on the surface of the sponge.
Endopinacocytes: This type of pinacocytes lines the canals.