Innervation of Gill Lateral Cells in the Bivalve Mollusc Crossostrea Virginica Effects Cellular Membrane Potential and Cilia Activity

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Gills of bivalve molluscs function in both respiratory and feeding roles. Cilia are present on gill filaments in lateral, latero-frontal and frontal cells and each type has specific arrangements and functions. Frontal and latero-frontal cell cilia are involved with moving particles along the gill surface, while the lateral cell cilia generate the water currents that provide for gas exchange as well as food intake and waste removal