the layer of jelly-like material between the two tissue layers of cnidarians (Phylum Cnidaria) and ctenophores (Phylum Ctenophora). It is also used sometimes to refer to the jelly-like matrix found between epithelial layers in sponges (Phylum Porifera). the layer of jelly-like material between the two tissue layers, gastrodermis and epidermis, of cnidarians (fibrous in Phylum Cnidaria) and ctenophores (Phylum Ctenophora). It is also used sometimes to refer to the jelly-like matrix found between epithelial layers in sponges (Phylum Porifera).
Mesoglea, also known as ectoplasma, is the clear, inert, jellylike substance that makes up most of the bodies of jellyfish, comb jellies and certain other primitive sea creatures. It acts as the creatures' structural support in water, as they lack bones, cartilage or other more common means of support. Because mesoglea is a gel with such a high water content, these creatures tend to collapse on land.