THOMAS, K. S.; SATTERLIE, R. A.; Arizona State University; Arizona State University: Immunohistochemical Study of the Neuromuscular Organization of the Cubomedusae Tripedalia cystophora

We have initiated an investigation of the muscle architecture of cubomedusae as a preliminary to a thorough biomechanical and neurophysiological study of swim mechanics in these agile jellyfish. Using immunohistochemical localization of actin, we have shown that the subumbrellar circular muscle is striated and forms solid sheets which are interrupted at the perradius. These striated muscular sheets are set off by perradial smooth muscle. The velarium of the cubomedusae is composed of circular striated muscle which bends ninety-degrees at the frenula, supporting brackets for the velarium. Frenula may be important in asymmetrical contractions of the cubomedusae which underlie turning behavior.