Schizocoely


Schizocoely is a process by which some animal embryos develop. The schizocoely mechanism occurs when secondary body cavities are formed by splitting a solid mass of mesodermal embryonic tissue.

Etymology

The term "schizocoely" derives from the Ancient Greek words , meaning "to split", and , meaning "cavity". This refers to the fact that fluid-filled body cavities are formed by splitting of mesodermal cells.

Taxonomic distribution

s which develop through schizocoely are known as schizocoelomates.
Schizocoelous development often occurs in protostomes, as in phyla Mollusca, Annelida, and Arthropoda. However, some deuterostomes like enteropneusts can exhibit schizocoely as well.

Embryonic development

The term refers to the order of organization of cells in the gastrula leading to development of the coelom. In mollusks, annelids, and arthropods, the mesoderm forms as a solid mass of migrated cells from the single layer of the gastrula. The new mesoderm then splits, creating the pocket-like cavity of the coelom.