Plegepoda

Plegepoda, the subphylum of Protozoa (q.v.), including those which are provided with various forms of vibratile processes, whereby locomotion is effected and food obtained. These processes are either in the form of numerous minute hair-like structures or cilia, longer and coarser whip-like appendages or flagellar, or as membranes. There are three classes - viz. Tentaculifera (q.v.), Infusoria (q.v.), and Mastigophora (q.v.), of which the second is the most important.