n.
In zoology, one of two principal cnidarian body forms and, sometimes, an individual in a bryozoan colony.
The cnidarian polyp body is a hollow cylindrical structure. The lower end attaches to another body or surface. The upper, or free, end is directed upward and has a mouth surrounded by extensible tentacles that bear stinging structures called nematocysts. The tentacles capture prey, which is then drawn into the mouth. The polyp may be solitary (see sea anemone ) or colonial (see coral ). The body wall consists of three dermal layers. The other cnidarian body form is the medusa .