Ectodermis – Living Oceans Foundation

[ek-toh-dur-mihs]
Outer cell layer of a polyp that houses nematocysts and secretes mucus. Corals only have two major layers of tissue.

Glossary: Mesoglea
Clear, jelly-like substance between the ectodermis and gastrodermis of a polyp. Helps maintain the form of the polyp.
Glossary: Mucus (coral)
A gelatinous substance secreted by the ectodermis and used for protection, to aid in food capture, or to remove sediment and waste. Mucus is usually moved by cilia.
Glossary: Nematocyst
Specialized stinging cells located in the ectodermis of the tentacles of a polyp that aid in predation.