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 collagen.

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.

References

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

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