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The chiton gill: Ultrastructure in Chiton olivaceus (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)
Author(s) -
Fischer Franz Peter,
Alger Monika,
Cieslar Daniela,
Krafczyk HansUlrich
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/jmor.1052040109
Subject(s) - biology , polyplacophora , ultrastructure , anatomy , mollusca , hemolymph , gill , connective tissue , mantle (geology) , zoology , fishery , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , paleontology , genetics
Gills of Chiton olivaceus , a primitive mollusc, are relatively simple in their structure and ultrastructure but are well adapted to a life in the intertidal zone. In contrast to some other molluscs, there is no differentiation of the gill epithelium into functional regions other than respiratory ones. Ciliation of the epithelium in certain areas may optimize water flow from the outer to the inner part of the mantle cavity. The hemolymph sinuses are oriented so that hemolymph flows in the opposite direction. Interstitial cells link epithelial cells with nerve endings. Muscle cells as well as the collagenous matrix in the connective tissue differ within the main gill axis and the lateral lamellae. The life cycle of immunoactive cells within the connective tissue and the hemolymph is described.