Clam Internal Anatomy

Mollusca

Incurrent/Excurrent Siphons

extendable, fleshy tubes that transport water in/out of the body

Gills

primarily for respiration and filter feeding

Mantle

thin membrane that secretes the shell

Foot

muscular region adjacent to visceral mass

used for burrowing and locomotion

Visceral Mass

pouch that houses major internal organs

Adductor Muscles

tubular muscles located at anterior and posterior ends of animal

close shell and hold valves tightly together

Labial Palps

fleshy folds of skin near mouth

collect food particles from gills and transport them to mouth

Stomach

small chamber located within visceral mass for food storage

Digestive Gland

green tissue that secrets digestive enzymes into stomach and intestine

assists in chemical breakdown of food

Intestine

coiled digestive tract where nutrient absorption occurs

Heart

muscular portion of circulatory system that receives blood from gills and pumps it through short arteries to neighboring tissues and organs

Kidney / Nephridium

excretory organ of bivalve that filters N wastes from hemolymph and eliminates them from body