ABSTRACT
Aurelia aurita is a cosmopolite species of scyphomedusae. Its major structural patterns and life cycle are well investigated. This work provides a detailed study on development and structure of the planula in A. aurita until it completes its metamorphosis. Lifetime observations and histological study performed during the settlement and metamorphosis of the planulae demonstrated that the inner manibrium linen of primary polyp (gastroderm) develops from the ectoderm of the planula posterior end. The spatial and temporal dynamics of serotonergic cells from the early embryonic stages until the formation of the primary polyp were studied for the first time. In addition, the distribution oftyrosinated tubulin and neuropeptide RFamide at different stages ofA. aurita development were studied.
