By : Eman H. Radwan1*, Gaber A. Saad2,4, Sherifa Sh. Hamed3,4

Abstract

The shape and microscopic structure of the foot of the oyster were described by light and electron microscopy. The foot is wedge-shaped with vertical furrows on the surface; it is composed of an epithelial layer, a connective tissue layer and a muscular layer. The epithelial layer was composed mostly of ciliated columnar epithelia and secretory cells. The cilia and microvilli were observed on the free surface of epithelial cells. The muscle fibers were composed of thin and thick microfilaments. Thick and thin filaments in muscle cells were reported in the foot as well as lateral projections of the cytoplasm contained granules. The outer surface of the periostracum of the shell is reported to be microridge and microfringe were present as well. The simplicity of periostracum of the shell layers was observed as thin simple layer whereas the prismatic layer was the opposite. Wedge-shaped and elongated prisms were reported near the outer surface. Fine lamellae were representing the nacreous layer and were divided by laminar inclusion. Micro-fringes were considered to be helping the direction of bivalve

6. Ultrastructural study on the foot and the shell of the oyster Pinctada radiata (leach, 1814),(Bivalvia Petridae).
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