Pronunciation: LO-fo-for

Etymology: Lophophore is derived from two Greek roots that mean crest (lofio, λοφίο) and to bear (fero, φέρω). The reference is to the crest-like appearance of the lophophore (see the illustration below).

A lophophore is a ciliated tentacle that is used as a feeding organ, especially in brachiopods, phoronids, and bryozoans.

The illustration below shows the lophophore, the ciliated tentacular ring at the anterior end of a phoronid.

By Jack R. Holt. Last revised: 01/02/2009