The external morphology of the gill of Patella caerulea L. (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Authors

DENİZ AKŞİT
BERİA FALAKALI MUTAF

DOI

10.3906/zoo-0907-82

Abstract

Gross morphology of the gill was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in order to associate it with its function in genus Patella. Secondary gills consisted of a single layer of gill folds, which appear mostly as triangular leaflets in scanning electron micrographs. The lamellae showed a prominent thickening on the free margin and horizontal swellings, which bear a series of ciliary structures on the frontal surface, as well as disperse bunches. They differed from the discocilia and, because chemoreception has been attributed to them in the absence of an osphradium, they are thought to contribute to the primary respiratory role of the gills. These morphological characteristics are to be researched further, both in natural and experimental specimens of this genus.

Keywords

Patella, gill, SEM, ciliary structures

First Page

603

Last Page

606

Recommended Citation

AKŞİT, DENİZ and MUTAF, BERİA FALAKALI (2011) "The external morphology of the gill of Patella caerulea L. (Mollusca: Gastropoda)," Turkish Journal of Zoology: Vol. 35: No. 4, Article 16. https://doi.org/10.3906/zoo-0907-82
Available at: https://journals.tubitak.gov.tr/zoology/vol35/iss4/16