spicules Small needlelike structures or parts; such as, the silicates or calcium carbonate processes supporting the soft tissue of certain invertebrates; especially, sponges. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/2006/
Needle-shaped skeletal elements in sponges that occur in the matrix between the epidermal and collar cells. Found on https://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/21571