What are the functions of the heart and kidney in clams?

1 Answer
Sep 1, 2017

Clam is a bivalve mollusc and heart along with kidney forms an organ complex. There is an open blood vascular system in clams.

  • Heart has paired auricles but single ventricle. Heart receives and pumps only oxygenated blood (=haemolymph) in clams and other bivalves.
  • Heart is enclosed within a pericardial cavity. Paired U-shaped kidneys are connected to pericardial cavity on one end and the opposite ends open in mantle cavity.
  • Ultrafiltration of haemolymph takes place in pericardial glands, also called Keber's organs. These are present on the auricular wall of heart. Accumulated waste is deposited in pericardial cavity.
  • Liquid waste from pericardial cavity enters kidneys where reabsorption and secretion of nutrients/ions take place. Urine is mainly made of ammonia and water. Kidneys are also able to remove heavy metals from blood.
  • Urine is excreted in mantle cavity.

https://www.exploringnature.org/graphics/biology/clam_diagram_color72jpg