Figure 3
Confocal fluorescence microscopy images, backscatter electron microscopy images and stills from time-lapse microscopy movies highlighting the distribution, cell composition and mesenterial behaviour during the contact response phase. (a, b) Contact with the substrate lead to the deployment of mesenterial filaments (MF) in newly formed wounds and the formation of a mucus barrier. (c–e) A diverse number of secretory cells (Sec) were present in the mesenterial filaments of A. millepora, and their proximity to the wounds and mucus indicates a role in cleaning and mucus formation. (f) For mesenterial filaments to move through the SBW and extend beyond the body cavity, they employ a twisting or corkscrewing motion to slide out of the cinclide-like (Cin) openings (Supplementary Movie S2). (g) Fluorescence image of the mesenterial filament (MF) twisting through the cinclide-like structure and the costae (Sk). surface body wall; SBW, mucus layer; Mu, Nm; nematocyst, Skeleton; Sk.
