GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The main distinguishing characteristic of echinoderms is the existence of a water vascular system that helps with breathing, gaseous exchange, circulation of nutrients, waste elimination, and locomotion. Only marine life is included in the phylum of animals known as Echinodermata.

Detailed explanation-2: -Water vascular system is a characteristic feature of the phylum Echinodermata. It consists of an array of radiating channels, tube feet, and madreporite. The water vascular system helps in locomotion, food capturing, and respiration.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -Echinoderms are characterized by a unique coelomic water vascular system. This is a hydraulically controlled system consisting of a circumoral ring around the esophogus with connecting radial canals each leading to an ambulacrum. The radial canals in crinoids run along each arm into an ambulcral groove and tube feet.

Detailed explanation-5: -The water vascular system is a hydraulic system used by echinoderms, such as sea stars and sea urchins, for locomotion, food and waste transportation, and respiration. The system is composed of canals connecting numerous tube feet.