Starfish Body Parts — Passage and Quiz

Starfish, or sea stars, possess a remarkable anatomy that enables them to thrive in diverse marine environments. The body of a starfish typically consists of a central disc from which multiple arms radiate, usually five but sometimes up to 40 in some species. These echinoderms are covered in a tough, spiny skin that serves as protection against predators. One of the most fascinating aspects of starfish anatomy is their ability to regenerate lost arms, a survival mechanism that allows them to recover from injuries. Starfish lack a centralized brain but instead have a complex nervous system with a nerve ring and radial nerves extending into each arm. At the tip of each arm, they possess eyespots capable of detecting light and dark, aiding in navigation. This unique body structure, combined with their regenerative abilities, makes starfish excellent subjects for studying marine adaptations and resilience in ocean ecosystems.