Pinacocyte

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

Function

Pinacocytes maintain the size and structure of the sponge through slight expansions and contractions.

Types

There are three types of pinacocytes:

Basipinacocytes

These are the cells in contact with the sponge's substrate (the surface to which it is attached).

Exopinacocytes

These are found on the exterior of the sponge.

Endopinacocytes

These line the sponge's interior canals.

References

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-pinacocyte.html

http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Pinacocyte