General Anatomy of Starfish

 

Starfish are usually 1 to 2 cm wide at their adult size.

A starfish consists of basically a mouth, surrounded by rays (typically 5 of them), and on these rays are rows of numerous small tube feet, as shown below.

A network of tubes, all running out from and connected by a central ring around the mouth, is filled with water, making up the internal hydraulic or vascular system.

In this system, seawater is pushed in and out through the tube feet, helping starfish move about.

Here is a diagram of the network of tubes inside the starfish's body and its central ring.

 

 

The digestive system of the starfish, including the way of feeding through stomach extension, is more complex than the nervous and circulatory systems.

A starfish’s body has two surfaces: an oral one (on its bottom, where its mouth is) and an aboral one (on its top, where its anus is).

 
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