Trab
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A trab is a structural element within a sponge formed by the fusion of dendroclones.
In the Anthaspidellidae, when spicules (usually dendroclones) connect at their tips to form a ladder-like structure, trabs may be formed.[1] Oxeas are sometimes employed in the central rod.[1][2] Trabs have a feather-like structure, or may form rods.[1][3]
Trabs are usually regularly spaced, usually at sub-millimetric intervals.[1] Further dendroclones may interconnect adjacent trabs, forming ladder-like structures.[2]
The presence and alignment of trabs is often related to the internal structure of canals within sponges.[4][verification needed]