Clam Structure

Question 1

What is the nephridium?

Answer 1

The nephridium (kidney) is the excretory organ of a bivalve that filters nitrogenous wastes from the hemolymph and eliminates them from the body

Question 2

Adductor muscles

Answer 2

Large, tubular muscles located at the anterior and posterior ends of the animal; close shell and hold valves tightly together.

Question 3

Mantle

Answer 3

Thin membrane that secretes shell

Question 4

Visceral mass

Answer 4

Pouch that houses several major internal organs

Question 5

Foot

Answer 5

Muscular region adjacent to visceral mass; used for burrowing and locomotion

Question 6

Gills

Answer 6

Used primarily for respiration and filter-feeding; female freshwater mussels brood eggs in special gill pouches

Question 7

Heart

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Stomach

Answer 8

Small chamber located within visceral mass for food storage

Question 9

Digestive Glands

Answer 9

Greenish, granular tissue that secretes digestive enzymes into stomach and intestine to assist in the chemical breakdown of food

Question 10

Intestine

Answer 10

Coiled digestive tract where absorption of nutrients occurs

Question 11

Gonad

Answer 11

Produces gametes for reproduction

Question 12

Labial Palps

Answer 12

Fleshy folds of skin located near the mouth that collect food particles from the gills and transport them to the mouth