coenosarc
/ˈsiːnəˌsɑːrk/
noun
- The common living tissue that connects the individual members of a colonial organism, such as certain corals or hydroids.
- Under the microscope, the coenosarc appeared as a thin, tubular network connecting the individual zooids.
- The coenosarc of the coral colony allows nutrients to be shared among all the polyps.
- Damage to the coenosarc can harm the entire colony because it links all the organisms together.