Summary
Taxonomy
Physical Description
Ecology
Life History & Behaviour
Anatomy & Physiology
Torsion and the mantle cavity
Nervous system
Sensory systems
Reproduction
Internal transport
Feeding mechanisms
Digestive system
Respiration
Excretion
Foot anatomy
Evolution & Systematics
Conservation & Threats
References & Links |
Respiration
Figure 7. Diagram adapted from
Ruppert et al., 2004, showing the
flow of the inhalant and exhalant
currents through a gastropod with
a single bipectinate gill. The flow
goes over the ctenidium first before
going over the anus.
Respiration of the prosobranch gastropods are effected by the ctenidium, which is located within the mantle cavity. Water is brought in by cilia located on the sides of the lamellar leaflets of the ctenidium but first passes through the osphradium. The water is then expelled from the mantle cavity, taking with it excrement from the kidney opening located within the mantle cavity and also from the anus (Graham, 1988). |
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