-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, October 07, 1999 6:38 PM
Subject: Re: crystalline style


><<I just  heard that some bi-valves have a "crystaline" and a "style" which
>act as a mortar and pestle that they use to grind up their food. Can anyone
>verify this and does anyone have any refernces ?  Many thanks.
>
>Hank Foglino
>
>Hi Hank.
>The "crystalline style" is a single structure.  It is part of the digestive
>tract of many bivalves.  It has a dual function, both releasing digestive
>enzymes into the stomach, and also grinding particles by its rotating
>movement in a special part of the stomach called the style sac.  For an
>account of the structure I would suggest a college level invertebrate
zoology
>text.
>Paul M.

Paul:
Many Thanks.
Hank