Editing Ctenophora (section)

=== Feeding, excretion and respiration ===

When prey is swallowed, it is liquefied in the [[pharynx]] by [[enzyme]]s and muscular contractions of the pharynx. The resulting slurry is wafted through the canal system by the beating of the [[cilia]], and digested by the nutritive cells. The ciliary rosettes may help to transport nutrients to muscles in the mesoglea. The [[anus|anal]] pores may eject unwanted small particles, but most unwanted matter is regurgitated via the mouth.<ref name="RuppertBarnes2004Ctenophora"/>

Little is known about how ctenophores get rid of waste products produced by the cells. The ciliary rosettes in the [[gastrodermis]] may help to remove wastes from the mesoglea, and may also help to adjust the animal's [[buoyancy]] by pumping water into or out of the mesoglea.<ref name="RuppertBarnes2004Ctenophora"/>