Molluscan Vocabulary
Molluscan Characteristics
Head-foot
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Elongate with an anterior head, containing the mouth and certain nervous and sensory structures, and an elongate foot, used for attachment and locomotion.
Contains the organs of digestion, circulation, reproduction, and excretion and is positioned dorsal to the head-foot.
Usually attaches to the visceral mass, enfolds most of the body, and may secrete a shell that overlies the mantle.
Opens to the outside and functions in gas exchange, excretion, elimination of digestion of digestive wasters, and release of reproductive products.
A rasping structure which consists of a chitinous belt and rows of posteriorly curved teeth.
The cartilaginous structure that supports the radula of molluscs.
The 180° , counterclockwise twisting of the visceral mass, mantle, and mantle cavity.
A proteinaceous covering on the dorsal, posterior margin of the foot that enhances protection of the head.
A mucoid mass that traps food particles that is first attached to a mucoid string.
A rolled extension of the mantle that serves as an inhalant tube.
A circulatory system in which blood is not confined to vessels in parts of its circuit (blood bathes tissues in blood sinuses).
The use of body fluids in open circulatory systems to give support and facilitate movement.
A larval stage characteristic of molluscs, annelids, and some other protostomate animals.
Usually the second stage of larval development in molluscs where the larva is free-swimming and develops a foot, eyes, tentacles, and shells.
Ciliated tracts along the dorsal and central margins of the gills of bivalve molluscs that transports food filtered by the gills towards the labial palps and the mouth.
Flaplike lobe surrounding the mouth of bivalves that directs food toward the mouth.
A consolidated mucoid mass that projects into the stomach from the style sac.
A larval stage of freshwater bivalves in the family Unishidae. It lives as a parasite on fish.
Blood is confined in vessels throughout the circuit around the body.
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