Which description matches cnidarian digestion?

Which description matches cnidarian digestion?

• A. Gastrovascular Cavity
• B. Complete Digestive Tract
• C. Absorptive Cells
• D. Digestive Glands Only

Answer: (A)

Cnidarians digest in a simple gastrovascular cavity, a single sac‑like space that serves as both mouth and gut. Food is captured and brought into this cavity, where enzymes secreted by gland cells lining the cavity begin digestion (extracellular digestion) and food particles are then taken up by the lining cells for further breakdown (intracellular digestion). Because there is only one opening, waste exits through the same opening, not through a separate anus. This setup contrasts with more complex animals that have a complete digestive tract with two openings. The idea here is that digestion happens inside the cavity and at the lining of that cavity, rather than in a full, two‑opening digestive tube.

Cnidarians digest in a simple gastrovascular cavity, a single sac‑like space that serves as both mouth and gut. Food is captured and brought into this cavity, where enzymes secreted by gland cells lining the cavity begin digestion (extracellular digestion) and food particles are then taken up by the lining cells for further breakdown (intracellular digestion). Because there is only one opening, waste exits through the same opening, not through a separate anus. This setup contrasts with more complex animals that have a complete digestive tract with two openings. The idea here is that digestion happens inside the cavity and at the lining of that cavity, rather than in a full, two‑opening digestive tube.