Studies On The Histology And Histochemistry Of The Mantleof Chlamys Farrei

The microscopic anatomy of the mantle of Chlamys farrei is described through histological and histochemical techniques. The typical structure of the mantle of bivalve consisting of a middle zone and a marginal zone is observed. There are three protuberances in the marginal zone. The mantle is composed of inner epithelium, outer epithelium, connective tissue and muscular fiber. Several kinds of mucous cells are distributed in the epithelium and connective tissue.The types and distribution of mucous cells in the epithelium are observed and analyzed by the methods of AB-PAS (pH2.5) . Based on the observation the mucous cells are divided into four types: type I, pure red, PAS positive and AB negative, the mucous cells include neutral mucopolysaccharide; type II, pure blue, PAS negative and AB positive, the mucous cells include acid mucopolysaccharide; type III, PAS positive more than AB, the mucous cells include mixed mucopolysaccharide; type IV, AB positive more than PAS, the mucous cells include mixed mucopolysaccharide. The results show that the mucous cells exist in the epithelium, but the types and density of mucous cells vary in different parts.Not only plenty of RNA but also the strong activity of ACP and AKP are observed in the mucous cells.