What are the different parts of a coral skeleton

 Different parts of a coral skeleton

Corallite: The skeleton of an individual coral polyp is called a corallite. It is a cup-shaped structure with a central cavity called the calyx. The calyx is where the polyp sits.

Costae: These are ridges that run vertically down the sides of the corallite. They provide strength and support to the skeleton.

Septa: These are vertical plates that project inward from the costae. They help to divide the calyx into compartments.

Theca: This is the wall of the corallite. It is made up of the fused costae and septa.

Basal plate: This is the flat plate that forms the base of the corallite. It attaches the polyp to the substrate.

Coenosteum: This is the porous skeletal material that fills the spaces between the corallites. It binds the corallites together and forms the overall structure of the coral colony.

Epitheca: This is a thin layer of skeleton that lines the inside of the corallite. It helps to protect the polyp from damage.