Crassostrea ariakensis, or the Chesapeake Bay oyster, is a member of the the large phylum of invertebrate animals known as the phylum Mollusca. The phylum is typically divided into 9 or 10 taxonomic classes, of which two are entirely extinct. Cephalopod molluscs, such as squid, cuttlefish and octopus, are among the most neurologically advanced of all invertebrates—and either the giant squid or the colossal squid is the largest known invertebrate species. The gastropods (snails and slugs) are by far the most numerous molluscs in terms of classified species, and account for 80% of the total.
Crassostrea ariakensis has two pairs of main nerve cords (three in bivalves) the visceral cords serving the internal organs and the pedal ones serving the foot. Both pairs run below the level of the gut, and include ganglia as local control centers in important parts of the body. Most pairs of corresponding ganglia on both sides of the body are linked by commissures (relatively large bundles of nerves). The only ganglia above the gut are the cerebral ganglia, which sit above the esophagus (gullet) and handle "messages" from and to the eyes. The pedal ganglia, which control the foot, are just below the esophagus and their commissure and connections to the cerebral ganglia encircle the esophagus in a nerve ring. Most bivalves can perceive light by their late larval stages through their eyespots. Cilia percieve touch and vibrations through the water. Cells along the edge of the mantel respond to light and touch (photoreceptors). Ganglia are located above the mouth, in the digestive system, and in the foot. It’s connected by two pairs of long nerve cords.
Crassostrea ariakensis has two pairs of main nerve cords (three in bivalves) the visceral cords serving the internal organs and the pedal ones serving the foot. Both pairs run below the level of the gut, and include ganglia as local control centers in important parts of the body. Most pairs of corresponding ganglia on both sides of the body are linked by commissures (relatively large bundles of nerves). The only ganglia above the gut are the cerebral ganglia, which sit above the esophagus (gullet) and handle "messages" from and to the eyes. The pedal ganglia, which control the foot, are just below the esophagus and their commissure and connections to the cerebral ganglia encircle the esophagus in a nerve ring. Most bivalves can perceive light by their late larval stages through their eyespots. Cilia percieve touch and vibrations through the water. Cells along the edge of the mantel respond to light and touch (photoreceptors). Ganglia are located above the mouth, in the digestive system, and in the foot. It’s connected by two pairs of long nerve cords.