GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Today, Echinodermata is a diverse phylum, with numerous species in five classes: Asteroidea (star fish), Crinoidea (sea lilies and feather stars), Echinoidea (sea urchins and sand dollars), Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers), and Ophiuroidea (brittle stars).

Detailed explanation-2: -The phylum echinoderms is divided into five extant classes: Asteroidea (sea stars), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), Echinoidea (sea urchins and sand dollars), Crinoidea (sea lilies or feather stars), and Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers).

Detailed explanation-3: -Echinodermata: Systematics. In traditional taxonomy, there are five classes of living echinoderms: Crinoidea (sea lilies), Asteroidea (starfish), Ophiuroidea (brittle stars or snake stars), Echinoidea (sea urchins and sand dollars), and Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers).

Detailed explanation-4: -Although they may appear very different, echinoderms all have two major defining characteristics that set them apart from all other animals: a water vascular system and five-sided radial symmetry. The water vascular system is a complex series of canals running through an echinoderm’s body (Fig. 3.84).