Clam

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Clam (Medicine)

Clam (/klæm/), in the context of medicine, refers to a type of mollusk that is often used in medical research due to its unique biological characteristics.

Etymology

The term "clam" originates from the Old English clamm, meaning "to bind or fetter", a reference to the tightly closed shell of the animal.

Medical Research

Clams have been used in various areas of medical research. Their unique DNA structure and ability to filter water can provide valuable insights into environmental changes and potential impacts on human health. For example, the Hard Clam or Mercenaria mercenaria has been used to study the effects of microplastics on marine life and potential implications for human health.

Related Terms

  • Mollusk: A large phylum of invertebrate animals, many of which have a calcareous shell. Clams belong to this group.
  • Bivalve: A class of marine and freshwater mollusks that have laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a shell in two hinged parts. Clams are a type of bivalve.
  • Microplastics: Small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long. Clams, due to their filter-feeding mechanism, often ingest these particles, making them a subject of study in environmental research.

See Also

External links

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