[obaley]

obaley asked the Naked Scientists:
   
What is actually happening when a jellyfish stings you?

What do you think?

[tangoblue]

It's kind of the same as a nettle stinging you. a nettle has small hairs that, when touched, harden and inject an irritant. A jellyfish has 'stinging cells'. When you touch them they shoot into you. I'm sure that it's not that simple but thats all i know. Hope it helps.

[tangoblue]

I looked it up because it was annoying me, and the stinging cells are called cnidocytes.