BIOLOGIYA MORYA, 2015, Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 36-45 |
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The valve movement model for the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) Karadag Nature Reserve, Feodosia 98188 E-mail: Valves of a mussel shell represent two levers joined together by an elastic ligament; their movements are similar to some extent to those made by human arm in the elbow joint. The ligament is found to have a quasi-elastic property; in the operating range of valve opening the elastic force of the ligament is proportional to deformation. A minor mathematical model for movements of mussel valves is formulated. Valve movements performed due to contraction of adductor muscles are considered as movements of extremely damped spring pendulum. Simulated and actual movements of mussel valves are compared. The viscosity factor at contraction of adductor muscles is found to be an order of magnitude lower than that at relaxation. This probably results from the differences in physiological mechanisms of muscle contraction and relaxation. Key words: mussel, ligament, mathematical model, pendulum. |
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