GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The ability to regenerate, or regrow, lost or destroyed parts is well developed in echinoderms, especially sea lilies, starfishes, and brittle stars, all of which can regenerate new arms if existing ones are broken off.

Detailed explanation-2: -Some animals are known for their ability to regrow – or regenerate – body parts following dramatic injury. Starfish are among the most famous and dramatic examples, being able to grow an entire new body from just a single arm.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Our human cells can do a lot of amazing things but the cells of echinoderms take it to a whole other level. Sea stars, brittle stars, and sea cucumbers all have the ability to regrow entire body parts!

Detailed explanation-5: -Crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), which feed on large swaths of western Pacific coral reefs, are notable unidirectional regenerators. Starfish of this invasive species are extremely difficult to eradicate because of their ability to regrow when half or more of the original starfish is intact.