Bibliogr. p. 199

Take the plunge into the hidden, secret world of the marine bivalves more usually found on French or gourmet's tables. This book is designed to meet the needs of malacologists, pathologists and other researchers, as well as those of teachers or simply readers with an inquiring mind. Based on previously existing and new data, we have prepared a long voyage to let you explore the tissues and cells of seven commercially marketed bivalve molluscs. Starting with the mantle covering their soft bodies and secreting the protective shell, as well as fine pearls, on to the gonads and the complex formation of gametes, the reader will discover numerous cell types, their functions and the fine workings of cells and their organelles. This accurate, concise publication provides a wealth of illustrations which will help non-specialists find their way through the maze of mollusc tissues. It will provide specialists with a rather comprehensive reference book on normal tissues and healthy cells. Lastly, to reach an international readership, we have chosen to publish this bilingual French/English version. Come out of your shell and discover this highly original atlas!