Open AccessThe origin and development of the pericardium and kidneys in Ostrea
Author(s) -
Wilfred Fernando
Publication year - 1931
Publication title -
proceedings of the royal society of london. series b, containing papers of a biological character
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2053-9185
pISSN - 0950-1193
DOI - 10.1098/rspb.1931.0004
Subject(s) - ostrea edulis , pericardium , mollusca , anatomy , biology , fishery , zoology , oyster , medicine
The most complete account of the pericardium, heart and kidneys in a Lamellibranch was given by Meisenheimer (1900) forDreissensia [=Dreissena]. His conclusions were confirmed and extended to other Lamellibranches by Harms (1909). Their work showed that the Lamellibranchs resemble other Mollusca as far as the later development of these organs are concerned, but the description of the early stages is very unsatisfactory; they assumed an ectodermal origin for the pericardium and kidneys, an idea which is inconsistent with what is known in other Mollusca. It was suggested by Prof. E. W. MacBride, F. R. S. that the early development of the pericardium inOstrea edulis be investigated with a view to determining the reasons which led Meisenheimer to uphold his old conclysions. My thanks are due to Prof. MacBride for his constant care and advice throughout the work; to Dr. R. W. Dodgson, Director of the Fisheries Experimental Station, Conway, for giving me all the facilities for obtaining the embryos and larvæ ofOstrea in his laboratory; to Mr. H. R. Hewer, and Mr. T. L. Green, for the help they have given me throughout the work.