Frontal surface of an isolated gill filament from Mytilus edulis observed with a confocal laser scanning microsope. Images were captured at 120 frames/s and reproduced as a video at 1/7 speed (0.5 s real-time). Fluoresent beads (1 micrometer) were added to the dorsal edge of the gill. The free-tips of the cirri form "V" structures as they flex over the frontal surface. Particles captured by the cirral V are transferred to the frontal water current and transported ventrally. In this series note the particle capture by the cirri on both sides of the filament. In addition, during transport, one particle can overtake another while entrained in the frontal surface current.

Silverman, H., J.W. Glynn, P.G. Beninger, and T.H. Dietz. 1999. The role of latero-frontal cirri in particle capture by the gills of Mytilus edulis. Biol. Bull. 197: 368-376.