In biology, a lorica is a shell-like protective outer covering, often reinforced with sand grains and other particles that some

protozoan Protozoa (singular: protozoan or protozoon; alternative plural: protozoans) are a group of single-celled eukaryotes, either free-living or parasitic, that feed on organic matter such as other microorganisms or organic tissues and debris. Histo ...

s and

loriciferan Loricifera (from Latin, '' lorica'', corselet (armour) + ''ferre'', to bear) is a phylum of very small to microscopic marine cycloneuralian sediment-dwelling animals that had been determined to be 37 described species, in 9 genera, ...

animal Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms in the Kingdom (biology), biological kingdom Animalia. With few exceptions, animals Heterotroph, consume organic material, Cellular respiration#Aerobic respiration, breathe oxygen, are Motilit ...

s secrete. Usually it is tubular or conical in shape, with a loose case that is closed at one end. An example is the protozoan genus ''

Stentor In Greek mythology, Stentor (Ancient Greek: Στέντωρ; ''gen''.: Στέντορος) was a herald of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. Mythology Stentor is mentioned briefly in Homer's ''Iliad'' in which Hera in the guise of Stent ...

'', in which the lorica is trumpet-shaped. In the

tintinnid Tintinnids are ciliates of the choreotrich order Tintinnida, distinguished by vase-shaped shells, the name deriving from a Latin source meaning a small tinkling bell, that are called'' loricae'', which are mostly protein but may incorporate min ...

s, the lorica is frequently transparent and is used as

domicile Domicile may refer to: * Home, a place where someone lives * Domicile (astrology) In astrology, a planet's domicile (or less commonly house, not to be confused with the astrological house system) is the zodiac sign over which it has rulership ...

. ''

Halofolliculina corallasia ''Halofolliculina corallasia'' is a species of heterotrich ciliates identified as a cause of the syndrome called skeletal eroding band (SEB). It is the first coral disease pathogen that is a protozoan as well as the first known to be a euk ...

'' has a lorica that is attached as an outer structure, and into which it retracts when disturbed. There are three phases in the formation of lorica: agglomeration in a natural

cast Cast may refer to: Music * Cast (band), an English alternative rock band * Cast (Mexican band), a progressive Mexican rock band * The Cast, a Scottish musical duo: Mairi Campbell and Dave Francis * ''Cast'', a 2012 album by Trespassers William * ...

; helical extension; and stabilization. The original meaning of the word is: cuirass, a type of chest armor, originally made of leather, afterward of plates of metal or horn sewed on linen or the like.

Notes

Ciliate biology {{Microbiology-stub

See also

Notes