What is a poracyte?

A porocyte is a specialized cell found in the body of certain sponges, particularly in the phylum Porifera. These cells form the pores or ostia on the sponge's surface, allowing water to flow into the sponge for feeding, respiration, and waste removal. Porocytes help regulate the size of the pores, thus controlling the water intake and contributing to the sponge's overall water filtration system.