What is the Difference Between Enterocoelom and Schizocoelom?

The main difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom lies in their formation and the types of animals that possess them. Both enterocoelom and schizocoelom are true coeloms, which are body cavities formed during embryonic development and lined by the mesoderm.

• Schizocoelom: Found in protostomes, schizocoeloms are formed from the splitting of the mesoderm, creating a pocket-like cavity between the ectoderm and endoderm. Examples of schizocoelous animals include arthropods and annelids.
• Enterocoelom: Found in deuterostomes, enterocoeloms arise from the wall of the embryonic gut (endoderm) as hollow outgrowths. These outgrowths pinch off and fuse together to form the coelom, which is lined by mesoderm. Examples of enterocoelomic animals include chordates and echinoderms.

In summary, the key difference between enterocoelom and schizocoelom is their formation process, with schizocoelom being formed from the splitting of mesoderm and enterocoelom being formed from outgrowths of the embryonic gut. Additionally, schizocoelom is found in protostomes, while enterocoelom is found in deuterostomes.

Comparative Table: Enterocoelom vs Schizocoelom

Here is a table comparing the differences between enterocoelom and schizocoelom:

In summary, enterocoelom arises from the wall of the embryonic gut or enteron as hollow outgrowths, while schizocoelom originates from the splitting of the mesoderm, creating a pocket-like cavity. Enterocoelom is found in deuterostomes, such as chordates and echinodermata, while schizocoelom is found in protostomes, such as arthropods and annelids.