visceral hump
Quick Summary
The visceral hump, also known as the visceral mass, is a key part of a gastropod's anatomy. It is always contained within the shell and houses most of the mollusk's digestive, reproductive, excretory, and respiratory systems. A significant portion of the visceral hump is the mantle cavity, which plays a role in respiration, waste elimination, and reproduction. In marine gastropods, the mantle cavity helps create a water current that passes over the gills and sensory receptors. The mantle tissue at the edge of this cavity is responsible for secreting the shell.1
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