Pronunciation: in-TE-ro-see-lik SEE-lom

Etymology: Enterocoelic is derived from two Greek roots that mean interstine (entero, έντερο) and hollow (koilos, κοίλος). The reference is to the formation of the body cavity by outpockets from the endodermis (intestine).

Enterocoelic (adj.) describes the type of true coelom that develops from pockets growing from the archenteron. The three drawings below show the development of an enterocoelic body cavity.

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