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Respiratory: process related to respiration (the action of breathing). The respiratory system is responsible for movement of gases in and out of animals... more
Sea Urchin Tube Feet - Up Close
The tube feet that are not busy pulling the urchin along appear to be engaged in a slow dance. The feet below look a little blurry, because they were moving when the picture was taken. Notice how long and thin they are. Tube feet not only help the urchin move, they also are used to grasp food, and they are part of the respiratory or breathing system.
Watch Sea Urchin Tube Feet in Action
The tube feet are part of the urchins water vascular system. They work like a hydraulic system. The urchin contracts its muscles to push water into the tube feet. This extends the feet outwards. When the muscles relax, the feet retract.
View Citation
Bibliographic details:
- Article: Tube Feet
- Author(s): CJ Kazilek
- Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
- Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
- Date published: December 23, 2009
- Date accessed: January 9, 2025
- Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/tube-feet
APA Style
CJ Kazilek. (2009, December 23). Tube Feet. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved January 9, 2025 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/tube-feet
Chicago Manual of Style
CJ Kazilek. "Tube Feet". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 23 December, 2009. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/tube-feet
CJ Kazilek. "Tube Feet". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 23 Dec 2009. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 9 Jan 2025. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/tube-feet
MLA 2017 Style
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