tenellae
Tenellae are specialized structures found in certain groups of marine invertebrates, particularly in echinoderms such as sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) and some species of sea stars (Asteroidea). These small, tooth-like projections are part of the animal’s feeding apparatus, known as the *calcareous ring* or *water vascular system*, and play a crucial role in obtaining nutrients.
In sea cucumbers, tenellae are located within the *Cuvierian tubules*, which are part of the animal’s defensive
The structure of tenellae varies slightly among species but generally consists of chitinous or calcareous elements
While tenellae are most commonly associated with sea cucumbers, some sea stars and brittle stars (Ophiuroidea)