Coral Anatomy Concept Check

Allows coral to anchor to a substrate and secrete more calcium carbonate, allowing them to grow.

The tissue that connects colonial coral polyps and allows corals to share nutrients.

The structure that holds an individual coral polyp in place allowing for stability. It is sometimes referred to as the cuplike skeleton.

The outer cell layer that houses nematocysts and secretes mucous.

The inner cell layer that houses zooxanthellae.

Inner layer of cells that lines the gastrovascular cavity absorbing nutrients, excreting mucus and waste, and allowing for gas exchange and reproduction.

Located in the coenosarc, allowing polyps to share nutrients and zooxanthellae.

The area that supports the stomach, absorbs nutrients, excretes mucus and waste, and allows for gas exchange and reproduction.

Allow the stomach to expand and house the reproductive cells.

The jelly-like substance in between the ectodermis and gastrodermis that helps maintain the form of animals.

Located at the center of the oral disk and expels waste and injects food.

A gelatinous substance that is used to aid in food capture, protection, and remove sediment and waste.

Specialized stinging cells located in the ectodermis that aid in predation.

Soft tissue that supports the mouth and tentacles

Support the inner folds of the mesenteries.

Feeding mechanism that surrounds the oral disk and aids in capturing prey.