Geographic Range

Communication and Perception

The ctenophore nervous system is a non-centralized net, much like that of cnidarians, although it differs in many important specific aspects and is generally more specialized. Ctenophores have a diffuse subepidermal net of non-polar neurons; beneath the comb rows, these neurons form an elongate mesh resembling nerve fibers. A large concentration of nerve tissue is also found around the mouth. Outside of the apical sense organ, no other sensory organs have been confirmed, although some species possess oval tracts of cilia called polar fields on the aboral surface, which may play some sensory role. Areas near the mouths of some ctenophore species have chemoreceptive cells, aiding in prey detection and capture. ("Ctenophores", 2012; Brusca and Brusca, 2003; Falkenhaug and Stabell, 1996; Kass-Simon and Hufnagel, 1992)

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