Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
coelom

coelom

9.9
A space inside the body of many animals that holds organs such as the heart and stomach
  • noun
  • /ˈsiːləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : celoma
  • The coelom allows internal organs to develop independently from the body wall.

Examples

  • In embryonic development, the human coelom forms several separate cavities.

  • A true coelom distinguishes coelomates from other groups of animals.

  • The coelom is an essential feature of many animal phyla.

  • In humans, the coelom eventually divides into several cavities.

  • A true coelom distinguishes coelomates from other groups of animals.

  • In embryonic development, the human coelom forms several separate cavities.

  • The coelom allows internal organs to develop independently from the body wall.

Synonyms

celoma
vscoelom
  • Specialized
9.9

A space in the middle layer of an embryo that forms chest, heart, and belly cavities

is broader, used for the main adult body cavity across animals

Surface Forms

coelom singular
coeloms plural

Etymology

Coelom comes from the Greek koilōma, from koilos, meaning 'hollow'. So a coelom is literally a 'hollow' or cavity inside the body where organs can grow and move freely.