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 |
Feeding mechanisms
The mouth of prosobranchs leads directly into the gut of the animal and is where the radula can be found. The radula functions similarly to that of a rasp with ribbons of chitinous teeth. This is manipulated by the odontophore, a tongue-like structure on which the radula is located. When extruded from the mouth by the odontophore, the teeth on the radula are erected so as to be able to rasp or tear away at the object of interest. In its retracted position, the teeth are kept flat on the radula. Predatory tonnoidea gastropods like C. parthenopeum possess an accessory boring organ with which they carry out chemical attacks on their prey (Graham, 1988). Specialized saliva are produced in a single pair of large salivary glands that are made up of anterior accessory and posterior acid glands (Houbrick & Fretter, 1969). |
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