THE GIANT CLAM
Immune - Internal defense in bivalve mollusks, like all
invertebrate species, is based on an innate, non-lymphoid immune system which
consists of a variety of cell types and effector molecules interacting to
maintain efficient elimination of foreign bodies. Phagocytic blood cells (cell
that removes unwanted substances) or haemocytes, are the principal effector cell
for immune defense. The phagocytic response of the haemocytes is complemented by
an array of killing mechanisms which may include, release of degradative enzymes
and the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. Antioxidant enzymes may also
be present to minimize the potential damage for adjacent tissues and cells from
these reactive oxygen metabolites. Haemocytes may also release other soluble
compounds as part of their defense strategies. Recent research has identified
the composition of a number of antibacterial peptides in bivalve
mollusks.
Endocrine - Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the gastropods through cerebral
dorsal bodies and lateral lobes or juxtaposed organs. There is a pair of
salivary glands line the crop or esophagus, a large digestive gland called the
liver empties into the stomach, and a gland secreting
albumin.
Immune - Internal defense in bivalve mollusks, like all
invertebrate species, is based on an innate, non-lymphoid immune system which
consists of a variety of cell types and effector molecules interacting to
maintain efficient elimination of foreign bodies. Phagocytic blood cells (cell
that removes unwanted substances) or haemocytes, are the principal effector cell
for immune defense. The phagocytic response of the haemocytes is complemented by
an array of killing mechanisms which may include, release of degradative enzymes
and the generation of reactive oxygen metabolites. Antioxidant enzymes may also
be present to minimize the potential damage for adjacent tissues and cells from
these reactive oxygen metabolites. Haemocytes may also release other soluble
compounds as part of their defense strategies. Recent research has identified
the composition of a number of antibacterial peptides in bivalve
mollusks.
Endocrine - Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the gastropods through cerebral
dorsal bodies and lateral lobes or juxtaposed organs. There is a pair of
salivary glands line the crop or esophagus, a large digestive gland called the
liver empties into the stomach, and a gland secreting
albumin.
THE POND SNAIL
Endocrine- Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the gastropods through cerebral
dorsal bodies and lateral lobes or juxtaposed organs. There is a pair of
salivary glands line the crop or esophagus, a large digestive gland called the
liver empties into the stomach, and a gland secreting
albumin.
Endocrine- Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the gastropods through cerebral
dorsal bodies and lateral lobes or juxtaposed organs. There is a pair of
salivary glands line the crop or esophagus, a large digestive gland called the
liver empties into the stomach, and a gland secreting
albumin.
THE MINI OCTOPUS
Endocrine - Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the cephalopods through optic
glands. The anterior salivary gland secrets the clear liquid (of water, mucin,
protein, and enzymes) into the mouth. It moistens food and starts the breakdown
of starches. The posterior salivary gland (poison gland) produces venom to
paralyze prey. The oviducal gland surrounding the end of the primary oviduct is
responsible for secreting some of the external coatings over spawned eggs. In
octopuses it also acts as a
spermatheca.
Endocrine - Hormone production is not well documented in mollusks other than
gastropods and cephalopods. Antagonistic neurohormonal control of reproductive
activity and metabolic processes is performed in the cephalopods through optic
glands. The anterior salivary gland secrets the clear liquid (of water, mucin,
protein, and enzymes) into the mouth. It moistens food and starts the breakdown
of starches. The posterior salivary gland (poison gland) produces venom to
paralyze prey. The oviducal gland surrounding the end of the primary oviduct is
responsible for secreting some of the external coatings over spawned eggs. In
octopuses it also acts as a
spermatheca.