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Polyps
Polyps make up the outer surface of corals and are multiple, individual animals. But they are genetically identical. A conglomeration of several coral polyps makes up the coral itself. A single gastrovascular network allows the polyps to share nutrients. The polyps are radially symmetrical and are tubular with a mouth at the top surrounded by tentacles. Polyps are located on the basal plate, which are the hard skeletons of the coral.
Tentacles
The tentacle surrounding the mouth of the polyps serves to feed the animal as well as protect it. The tentacles are covered in nematocysts, or stinging cells. These stinging cells paralyze and help trap potential prey, such as small crustaceans or small fish. The nematocysts also defend the coral against potential predators.
Mouth
The polyp's mouth brings in food and expels waste. The mouth is located at the center of the cluster of tentacles, surrounded by the oral disk. Nematocysts can sting prey, paralyzing it, and bring it in to the mouth where it slips down into the stomach. The stomach is lined by a tissue known as the gastrodermis, which can retract and loosen to bring in food or let out waste.
Coenosarc
Coenosarcs are tubes that interconnect the coral's polyps. These tubules form a network allowing the polyps to share nutrients from food. The coenosarcs also aid in the dispersal of symbiotic algae, known as zooxanthellae, which produces extra carbohydrates for the coral and helps construct their calcium carbonate skeletons. Without the zooxanthellae, the corals would not be able to produce their skeletons and turn white and die, in a condition known as coral bleaching.