Coenenchyme is the common tissue that surrounds and links the polyps in octocorals. It consists of mesoglea penetrated by tubes (solenia) and canals of the gastrodermis and contains sclerites, microscopic mineralised spicules of silica or of calcium carbonate. The outer layer of the coenenchyme is made of columnar or squamous epithelial cells, and can be covered in microvilli. [1] The stiff projecting portion of coenenchyme that surrounds each polyp is usually reinforced by modified sclerites and is called the calyx,[2] a term borrowed from botany. The solenia circulate nutrients throughout the coenenchyme. Coenosarc is an alternative name.[3]

References

  1. ^ Menzel, L.P.; Tondo, C.; Stein, B.; Bigger, C.H. (2015-04-01). "Histology and ultrastructure of the coenenchyme of the octocoral Swiftia exserta, a model organism for innate immunity/graft rejection". Zoology. 118 (2): 115–124. doi:10.1016/j.zool.2014.09.002. ISSN 0944-2006. PMC 4380826. PMID 25596959.
  2. ^ S. T. DeVictor & S. L. Morton (2007). "Glossary of Octocoral Terms". Guide to the Shallow Water (0-200 m) Octocorals of the South Atlantic Bight. Retrieved 2013-01-06.
  3. ^ "Coenenchyme". The Free Dictionary. Retrieved 2015-04-22.
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