radula

(noun)

the rasping tongue of snails and most other mollusks

Related Terms

Examples of radula in the following topics:

  • Classification of Phylum Mollusca

    • The majority are filter feeders and have no head or radula.
    • A complex radula is used by the digestive system and aids in the ingestion of food.
    • These animals do not possess eyes, but they have a radula, as well as a foot modified into tentacles with a bulbous end, known as captaculae.

  • Phylum Mollusca

    • Additionally, a tongue-like organ called a radula, which bears chitinous tooth-like ornamentation, is present in many species, serving to shred or scrape food.