Spicule Collection

Millet (litho)
6013699 Millet (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Millet. Illustration for The Harmsworth Encylopaedia (c 1922).); © Look and Learn

Sequence of illustrations of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) plunging feet first into water, catching fish and flying away, gripping it by reversible front toes and sharp spicules

Picture No. 11072753
Glomerate Tree Coral Spicules Waterfall dive site, Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Glomerate Tree Coral Spicules

Coloured SEM of a natural sponge
Sponge. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an unidentified sponge, phylum Porifera. The branching structure of the sponges body is supported by an internal skeleton of calcareous or

Sponge spicules, SEM
Sponge spicules. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spicules from a sea sponge. Sponges are primitive aquatic organisms that filter food from the water

Natural sponge, SEM
Natural sponge. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing the branching structure of the body of a natural sponge (phylum porifera)

Sponge tissue, light micrograph
Sponge tissue. Light micrograph of a section through the body of the elephant-hide sponge (Pachymatisma johnstonia). This image shows the variety of spicules (black)

Dendronephthya soft coral
Soft coral. Close-up of the polyps (red) and spicules (white) of a Dendronephthya sp. soft coral. Each polyp is a single organism, which filters plankton from the water using its tentacles

Sponge spicule, SEM
Sponge spicule. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a spicule from a sponge (order Porifera). A sponge is a primitive aquatic organism that filters food from the water

Bone growth, light micrograph
Bone growth. Light micrograph of actively growing cells in the epiphyseal plate (growth plate) between the diaphysis (shaft) and epiphysis (rounded end) of a long bone

Marine protozoa shells, SEM
Marine protozoa shells, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The shells (tests) seen here include those of foraminifera, as well as coral spicules, radiolarian tests and cocccoliths

Sponge Spicules - microscopic, x4 magnification
JC-673 Sponge Spicules - microscopic, x4 magnification Gorgonia sp. John Clegg Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

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Spicule: Nature's Versatile Weapon In the world of biology they can tiny structures that play a crucial role in various organisms. From the intricate litho prints of Millet to captivating illustrations of Osprey diving into water, these hints give us a glimpse into the fascinating realm of spicules. Imagine witnessing an Osprey plunging feet first into water, effortlessly catching fish with its sharp spicule-adorned toes. These incredible birds rely on their reversible front toes and spiky appendages to secure their prey before soaring away triumphantly. But it's not just birds that harness the power of spicules; even sponges utilize these microscopic wonders. A colored SEM image reveals the beauty hidden within natural sponges - delicate structures composed of countless interconnected cells. Zooming closer, we discover sponge spicules under scrutiny through multiple SEM images. These needle-like formations provide support and protection for these remarkable creatures. The diversity and complexity of sponge spicules become apparent as we examine them individually - each one unique in shape and composition. Their intricate designs serve as a testament to nature's ingenuity, enabling sponges to thrive in various aquatic environments. Underneath all those magnified details lies another layer worth exploring – sponge tissue captured through a light micrograph. This snapshot showcases how intricately woven together different components are within this organism. From artistry to survival strategies, from litho prints to scientific imagery, our journey through "spicule" has unraveled its significance across different realms. Whether it be aiding ospreys in securing their meals or providing structural support for sponges' survival, these minuscule structures remind us once again about nature's ability to adapt and innovate at every scale imaginable.