OSPHRADIUM OF PROSOBRANCH GASTROPODS BUCCINUM UNDATUM L AND NEPTUNEA ANTIQUA (L.)

The complicated, bipectinate osphradia of the Neogastropods Buccinum undatum and Neptunea antiqua are characterized by the following cell types: The columnar supporting cells of the pseudostratified epithelium form the bulk of the epithelial cells and exhibit a profusely developed system of microvilli and an abundance of pigment granules. Occasionaly they are ciliated. At least two types of mucous cells can be distinguished. The different types of sensory cells can be associated with two functions: chemoreception and touch appreciation. An additional sensory cell type with a well developed system of smooth endoplasmic reticulum cannot be related to any particular function. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.