Echinoderms, such as starfish, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers, have a decentralized and relatively primitive nervous system compared to other animals. They lack a centralized brain and spinal cord like vertebrates.
The nervous system of echinoderms consists of a nerve ring or nerve plexus located around the mouth, from which radial nerves extend into each arm or ray. These radial nerves control the movement and coordination of the arms.
Echinoderms also have sensory structures called tube feet, which are used for locomotion and feeding. These tube feet contain sensory cells that can detect touch, chemicals, and changes in the environment.
While echinoderms do not possess a complex brain, they do have a decentralized network of nerve cells throughout their body, allowing for basic sensory perception and coordination of movement. This primitive nervous system allows echinoderms to respond to their environment and carry out essential functions for survival.