paragaster Zool.
(pærəˈgæstə(r))
[f. Gr. παρα- para-1 ‘false’ + γαστήρ belly, stomach.]
The central or gastric cavity of a simple sponge. Hence paraˈgastral a., of or belonging to the paragaster.
| 1887 Sollas in Encycl. Brit. XXII. 413/2 The simple paragaster of Ascetta may become complicated in a variety of ways. 1888 ― in Challenger Rep. XXV. p. xiv, The recesses, known as flagellated chambers, communicate with the cavity of the sac (paragaster) each by a single wide mouth (apopyle), and with the exterior by a small pore (prosopyle). Ibid. p. xxvi, If endodermal, then the cavity of the vase forming the sponge must be paragastral. |