SPONGIAE
Spon"gi*æ, n. pl. Etym: [See Sponge.] (Zoöl.)
Definition: The grand division of the animal kingdom which includes the
sponges; -- called also Spongida, Spongiaria, Spongiozoa, and
Porifera.
Note: In the Spongiæ, the soft sarcode of the body is usually
supported by a skeleton consisting of horny fibers, or of silleceous
or calcareous spicules. The common sponges contain larger and smaller
cavities and canals, and numerous small ampullæ which which are lined
with ciliated cells capable of taking in solid food. The outer
surface usually has minute pores through which water enters, and
large openings for its exit. Sponges produce eggs and spermatozoa,
and the egg when fertilized undergoes segmentation to form a ciliated
embryo.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition