Otähdet

Otähdet is a Finnish term that translates to "starlike" or "star-shaped." It is most commonly used in biology to describe the morphology of certain organisms or structures that exhibit a radial symmetry resembling a star. This appearance is often characterized by multiple arms or projections extending from a central body.

In zoology, the term Otähdet is frequently applied to echinoderms, a phylum of marine invertebrates. This phylum includes well-known creatures such as starfish (sea stars), sea urchins, and brittle stars. Starfish, in particular, are the quintessential example of Otähdet, typically possessing five arms radiating from a central disc, though some species can have many more. The radial symmetry allows these animals to sense their environment and move in all directions.

Beyond starfish, the Otähdet form can be observed in other biological contexts. Some types of algae or colonial microorganisms might exhibit a star-like arrangement. In microscopy, certain cellular structures or inclusions might be described as Otähdet if they display this characteristic radiating pattern. The term emphasizes a visual resemblance to a star rather than a direct taxonomic classification, serving as a descriptive adjective for a specific shape.