GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A pedicellaria (plural: pedicellariae) is a small wrench-or claw-shaped appendage with movable jaws, called valves, commonly found on echinoderms (phylum Echinodermata), particularly in sea stars (class Asteroidea) and sea urchins (class Echinoidea).

Detailed explanation-2: -Pedicellariae are minute stalked appendages that are found in among the spines of echinoids. They consist of a thin stalk, generally supported by a simple calcite rod, and a tulip-like head which is composed of three (rarely two) valves, each supported by an internal calcitic frame.

Detailed explanation-3: -Pedicellariae are found only in echinoderms, particularly sea stars and sea urchins. The type found on collector urchins are known as globiferous, meaning they have a three-pronged jaw and a venom sac at the end of a long stalk.

Detailed explanation-4: -The sea star belongs to the phylum Echinodermata and the class Asteroidea. Therefore, the presence of pedicellariae is the characteristic feature of Asteroidea. Thus, the correct answer is option B. i.e., Asteroidea.

Detailed explanation-5: -Pedicellariae are minute grasping organs found only in sea urchins and starfishes of the phylum Echinodermata. The pedicellariae are basically made of calcareous ossicles and in most cases operate either like a pair of scissors or a pair of forceps.