What is the function of the osculum?

Answer 1

The osculum is an excretory structure in the living sponge, a large opening to the outside through which the current of water exits after passing through the spongocoel. Wastes diffuse into the water and the water exits through the osculum at a velocity of nearly 8.4 cm/second, carrying away with it the sponge's wastes. The size of the osculum is regulated by the myocyte. Its size, in turn, determines the amount of water flowing through the sponge.

Answer 2

An osculum is that hard flat plate that a mollusk uses to close up its shell when it pulls its body inside. It is made of the same sort of thing that the shell is, and is attached to the mollusk's body. The osculum is very tough, and protects the mollusk from getting pulled out of it's shell.

Answer 3

The osculum in sponges functions as an opening through which water is expelled from the sponge, carrying waste and excess particles with it. It helps maintain the flow of water through the sponge's body, facilitating feeding and gas exchange.

Answer 4

The osculum of a living sponge functions as the excretory structure. The sponge excretes waste into water which is then forced through the osculum.

Answer 5

The osculum is a structure of the sea creature, the living sponge. It's an excretory structure that controls the exiting flow of water from the sponge's structure.