Ambulacrum

/ˌæmbəˈlækɹəm/ noun

Definition

One of the five grooved or radial areas on starfish and sea urchins containing tube feet used for movement and feeding.

Etymology

From Latin 'ambulacrum' meaning 'a walking space' or 'passage,' derived from 'ambulare' (to walk). Medieval zoologists named the structures after their function in helping the creatures ambulate.

Kelly Says

Starfish and sea urchins are basically walking on liquid—their ambulacra are channels where seawater gets pumped to inflate thousands of sucking tube feet that crawl across the ocean floor!

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