Etymology

Lophophore is derived from the Greek lophos (crest, tuft) and -phore, -phoros (?????) (bearing), a derivative of phérein (??????) (to bear); thus crest-bearing.

Characteristics

The lophophore can most easily be described as a ring of ciliated tentacles surrounding the mouth, but it is often horseshoe-shaped or coiled. Phoronids have their lophophores in plain view, but the valves of brachiopods must be opened wide to get a good view of their lophophore.

The lophophore

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