gubernaculum

gubernaculum (noun; plural gubernacula; Latin diminutive gubernare, to guide): 1. (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) Hydroida, protoplasmic strands connecting the blastostyle and internal marsupium to the gonothecal wall; possibly functioning in nutrition or as a device for keeping the internal marsupium in position.

2. (NEMATA) A sclerotized trough-shaped structure of the dorsal wall of the spicular pouch, near the distal portion of the spicules; functions for reinforcement of the dorsal wall. a. Retractor gubernaculi muscles extend from the gubernaculum to the dorsal or lateral body wall. b. Seductor gubernaculi muscles extend from the lateral walls of the body to the gubernaculum.