gymnocyst

n. [Gr. gymnos, bare; kystis, bladder]

1. (BRYOZOA)

A simple type of wall morphology that adds exterior walls to the ends of interior walls, thereby separating adjacent zooids that remain in communication through interzooidal pores. gymnocystal a; see cryptocyst.

2. (BRYOZOA: Gymnolaemata)

In cheilostomates, continuous or partial frontal shield formed by calcification of the zooidal frontal wall or by cuticle covered spots on the frontal wall.