Biology 3229F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Gastrovascular Cavity, Knidos, Cnidaria

• School: Western University
• Department: Biology
• Course: Biology 3229F/G
• Professor: Graeme Taylor

Document Summary

The oral-aboral axis is the axis of symmetry. The mouth is located in the center of the oral disc. It is expanded at each end of the oral disc and the expansions are the ends of vertical, ciliated grooves called siphonoglyphs. Siphonoglyph cilia generate a constant flow of water into the gastrovascular cavity even when the mouth is closed. They consume small planktonic animals, that they catch with their tentacles and stinging nematocysts. Mesoglea is a connective tissue made up of protein fibers, a watery ground substance and few amoeboid cells.