The Ultrastructure of the Radial Neuromuscular System of the Jellyfish Liriope tetraphylla (Hydrozoa, Trachymedusae): Implications in Crumpling Behavior.

The ultrastructure of the radial neuromuscular system of the trachymedusa Liriope tetraphylla was examined to determine the morphological substrate underlying crumpling behavior--the folding of the margin into the subumbrellar cavity by radial muscle contraction. These contractions are produced by the four smooth muscle bands that run the length of the peduncle and extend over the subumbrellar surface to the margin, along the radii. Axons are present in the radial system and attain appreciable density at the base of insertion of the peduncle; contact between this radial nerve net and the inner nerve ring may occur at the margin. Gap junctions were not encountered within the ectodermal radial system. These various observations are discussed with respect to the control of crumpling in this and other species of hydromedusae.