noun
- A small, porous plate on the surface of an echinoderm (such as a starfish or sea urchin) through which water enters the water-vascular system.
Usage: zoology; marine biology
Examples
- The madreporite is a distinctive feature visible on the aboral surface of starfish.
- Water enters the echinoderm's water-vascular system through the madreporite.
- Marine biologists can identify different sea urchin species partly by the location and structure of the madreporite.
- The madreporite connects to an internal stone canal in the echinoderm's body.
- Under a microscope, the porous texture of the madreporite is clearly visible.