Aspects of the Functional Morphology of the Lophophore in Articulate Brachiopods

Abstract

Histologic studies made on three species of articulate brachiopods provide information on the structural integrity, epithelial specialization and other cellular aspects of the lophophore. Similarities in staining properties of granular inclusions found in the matrix with those found in epithelial modifications of the brachial trough and the bases of the filaments suggest movement between cells within the matrix and the epithelium. The nature of the granular inclusions raises the possibility of intracellular digestion along the lophophore of these brachiopods.