amoebocytes
/əˈmiːbəˌsaɪts/
noun
- Cells in the bodies of simple animals (like sponges and starfish) that move and change shape, and help with digestion, repair, and defense.
- Amoebocytes in sponges carry nutrients to other cells.
- When a starfish is injured, its amoebocytes help heal the wound.
- Scientists study amoebocytes to understand how simple organisms fight infections.