The innermost cell layer of the body wall is called the gastrodermis. The thickness of the gastrodermis is two-thirds that of the body wall. It contains 5 types of cells. Nutrient cells, glandular cells, interstitial cells, nerve cells and sensory cells.
1. Nutritive cells: Nutritive cells are located throughout most of the gastrodermis. It looks stunning. Each cell has a large nucleus and cavity. It forms contractile fibrous fascicles. Nutrient cells can be divided into two types. Flagellar cells and transient cells. Dr. Siddiq Publications
(i) Flagellar cells: These cells have 1-4 thread-like flagella at the free end.
(ii) Transient cells: The free end of this cell has transient cells.
Nutrients are cell functions
(i) It thins and thickens the body by contraction-expansion.
(ii) Flagella transform the food material into particles.
(iii) Acts like a sphincter to open and close the mouth.
(iv) It allows water to enter the mouth.
(v) Digests food.