Most snails move by gliding along on their muscular foot, which is lubricated with mucus and covered with epithelial cilia[1]. This motion is powered by succeeding waves of muscular contractions that move down the ventral of the foot. This muscular action is clearly visible when a snail is crawling on the glass of a window or aquarium. Snails move at a proverbially low speed (1 mm/s is a typical speed for adult Helix lucorum[2]). They produce mucus to aid locomotion by reducing friction, and the mucus also helps reduce the snail's risk of mechanical injury from sharp objects.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Locomotion booger
Most snails move by gliding along on their muscular foot, which is lubricated with mucus and covered with epithelial cilia[1]. This motion is powered by succeeding waves of muscular contractions that move down the ventral of the foot. This muscular action is clearly visible when a snail is crawling on the glass of a window or aquarium. Snails move at a proverbially low speed (1 mm/s is a typical speed for adult Helix lucorum[2]). They produce mucus to aid locomotion by reducing friction, and the mucus also helps reduce the snail's risk of mechanical injury from sharp objects.
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