1. Digestion: The gastrovascular cavity of cnidarians serves as the primary site for digestion. Once prey is captured and ingested, it is broken down by enzymes secreted into the cavity, allowing the cnidarian to extract nutrients and energy from the food.
2. Distribution of nutrients: Once digestion is complete, the nutrients released from the digested food are absorbed by the cells lining the gastrovascular cavity. These nutrients are then distributed throughout the body of the cnidarian, providing energy for growth and metabolism.
3. Exchange of gases and waste removal: The gastrovascular cavity also facilitates the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, with the environment. Additionally, waste products generated during metabolism are expelled from the body through the same opening that serves as the entry point for food. This helps to maintain proper levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the cnidarian's body, as well as to remove harmful waste products.
Three functions of a cnidarians gastrovascular cavity
1 answer
3 answers