labial palp

mollusk anatomy

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

The labial palp is a part of mollusk anatomy, specifically found in bivalves. These palps are paired appendages located near the mouth. In bivalves, the labial palps play a crucial role in feeding by sorting food particles collected by the gills. Food is transported to the mouth via the labial palps, where further selection occurs before ingestion. In some primitive bivalves, palp proboscides collect surface detritus, which is then processed by the labial palps. The structure and function of labial palps are important for classifying bivalves.12

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gastropod
The head
…the mouth form lobes called labial palps, which help to locate prey. The mouth itself frequently is prolonged into a proboscis that extends well in front of the tentacles. Carnivorous species often have a proboscis capable of great extension, either invaginable or contractile.
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…the mouth form lobes called labial palps, which help to locate prey. The mouth itself frequently is prolonged into a proboscis that extends well in front of the tentacles. Carnivorous species often have a proboscis capable of great extension, either invaginable or contractile.
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bivalve
Internal features
The paired labial palps in the mantle cavity are used in feeding. The outer palp on each side bears a long, extensible proboscis with a ciliated groove that collects organic material, which is then sorted by the inner pair and outer pair of palps. Certain particles are…
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The paired labial palps in the mantle cavity are used in feeding. The outer palp on each side bears a long, extensible proboscis with a ciliated groove that collects organic material, which is then sorted by the inner pair and outer pair of palps. Certain particles are…
Read More