The phylum ctenophora is represented by a little-studied group of marine animals commonly referred to as ‘comb jellies’. The name comes from their 8 conspicuous rows of ciliary plates, or ‘combs’, which the gelatinous animals use to swim. The comb jellies as a group feed largely by catching small prey using their long tentacles and specialized sticky colloblast cells. At first glance, ctenophores share a number of superficial characteristics with many true jellyfish (Cnidarians) and were grouped as such for many years. However, the comb jellies are unique animals and form an entirely separate phylum. Interestingly, recent molecular studies using ribosomal RNA suggest that this phylum may in fact be the more ancient of the two. This classification suggests that this understudied group may in fact have been the first to have evolved complex tissue systems like nervous tissue and musculature!

Anatomy of the Neuromuscular System
           If the current phylogenetic classification of the Ctenophora is accurate, the living comb jellies may exhibit the closest approximations of the first nervous and muscular systems available for study. By using histochemical staining, immunohistochemistry and pharmacological manipulations with chromatographic quantification of neurochemicals, we are attempting to provide a comprehensive picture of what the nervous system looks like and how it works to control effectors like cilia and muscle.