Description:
Observed condition of the basal surface lining epithelium which contains calicoblasts- cells responsible for secreting a matrix to promote crystallization of calcium carbonate; thus assiting in the formation of coral skeleton. 0 = cells squamous but "thick;" cover mesoglea; 1 = cells slightly atrophied in some foci; 2 = 1/2 of cells atrophied; 3 = Most cells atrophied; beginning separation from mesoglea; 4 = Cells atrophied and loss or sloughing present; 5 = Multifocal necrosis or sloughing of atrophied cells or absent on mesoglea