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Fig. 9 | Frontiers in Zoology

Fig. 9

From: Classical and computed tomographic anatomical analyses in a not-so-cryptic Alviniconcha species complex from hydrothermal vents in the SW Pacific

Fig. 9

Summary of branchial anatomy and proximal tissues. Schematic in a depicts arrangement of gill filaments in relation to overall transverse cross-sectional anatomy at pallial cavity’s widest point (~ 0.25 whorls behind buccal cavity). Blood circulation is based on CT data, whole-filament histological staining (sections and unembedded) and details recorded during dissection. Though not depicted, areas in cephalopedal haemocoel not occupided by blood vessels or the alimnetary canal, were filled with spongy connective tissue full of particulate deposits. Depicted in b a branchial filament in sagittal section approximately located along the red line marked on the filament in a. The colour coding used in (a) and (b) is repeated in (c) and (d) for comparative purposes. Ctendium pictured in c is viewed ventrally: with most of filaments extending dorsally from the ventral support axes. One filament however has been displaced sideways and has been colour coded according to its abnormal orientation. Close up, these filaments appear as depicted in d. The micorgraph in e is of the dorsal face of the mantle on the far-right side of the animal, along which the the rectal sinus (RS) runs. Arrows indicate the blood vessels that deliver blood to the primary afferent branchial vessel (1° ABV) of the ctenidium from the rectal sinus. Image f is of the nephridium (Ne, with a transverse cut), which abuts directly with the posterior-most branchial filaments (Ct). Primary folds (PF) and the afferent renal vein (ARV) can be seen, along with traces of the digestive gland (DG). Additional abbreviations: 2° ABV secondary afferent branchial vessel; 1° / 2° EBV primary / secondary efferent branchial vessel; AA Anterior aorta; AOe Anterior oesophagus; CM Columellar muscle; Co Columella; CpV Cephalopedal Vein; CM columellar muscle; HF Head-foot; PC Pallial cavity; PF Pallial fringe; PS Pallial skirt; RS Rectal sinus

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