A body cavity that is not completely lined with mesoderm tissue, found in animals like roundworms. It provides some of the benefits of a true coelom but with simpler construction.
From Greek 'pseudo' (false) and 'koiloma' (cavity). The term was coined in the early 20th century to distinguish this type of body cavity from the true coelom as scientists refined their understanding of animal body organization.
Animals with pseudocoeloms found a clever evolutionary shortcut! They get many benefits of having a body cavity—like space for organs and a hydrostatic skeleton—without the complex developmental process needed to create a true coelom lined with mesoderm.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.