Gastrovascular cavity
Encyclopedia : G : GA : GAS : Gastrovascular cavity
Gastrovascular cavity, as the name indicates, functions in both digestion and the transport of nutrients to all parts of an animal body. Organisms belonging to two major phyla, the Cnidaria and the Platyhelminthes, possess gastrovascular cavities. The radially symmetrical cnidarians have a sac-like body in two distinct layers, with a jellylike layer between. Extracellular digestion takes place within the central cavity of the sac-like body. This cavity has only one opening to the outside and that is surrounded by tentacles in most cnidarians. The tentacles serve to capture prey.
Organisms with a gastrovascular cavity:
- Jellyfish such as Aurelia
- Sea anemones
- Corals
- Sea pens
- Sea Pansies
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