Flame cells are specialized excretory cells found in flatworms and some other invertebrates, playing a crucial role in osmoregulation and the removal of metabolic wastes. They function by creating a current that propels waste materials out of the organism's body, ensuring internal homeostasis.

Flame cells

Specialized excretory cells

Flatworms, belonging to the phylum Platyhelminthes, are a group of soft-bodied, usually flattened invertebrates that exhibit bilateral symmetry and lack a body cavity, making them acoelomates. They are known for their simple body structure, which includes a gastrovascular cavity with a single opening, and many species are parasitic, affecting both humans and animals.

Flatworms

Invertebrates are animals that lack a vertebral column, making up approximately 97% of all animal species, and include diverse groups such as insects, arachnids, mollusks, and crustaceans. They play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and as part of the food web, highlighting their ecological importance despite their lack of a backbone.

Invertebrates

Osmoregulation is the process by which living organisms maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in their bodies to ensure proper cellular function and overall homeostasis. This involves intricate mechanisms that adjust fluid intake, excretion, and distribution across cell membranes to adapt to varying environmental conditions.

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