MORPHOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF VISCERAL ORGANS OF THE SNAILS Helix pomatia AND Helix aspersa Muller UNDER THE ABIOTIC AND BIOTIC FACTORS' INFLUENCE.

The microstructure of the stomach, intestines, hepatopancreas, kidneys, lungs, reproductive organs, and protein gland of two species of snails (Helix pomatia and Helix aspersa Muller) under the influence of abiotic (climatic) and biotic (parasite) factors was studied. In snails of the first group, the visceral organs had a typical structure. The parenchyma of the hepatopancreas, as the most vulnerable organ, is represented by glandular tubules and the system of excretory ducts that open into the intestinal cavity. Structural changes in the hepatopancreas and gonads were observed in snails of the second group, which were in the state of anabiosis under the influence of dry, hot weather. The helminthic invasion in the snails of the third experimental group caused necrosis of the hepatopancreas and replacement of the parenchyma of the gland with loose connective tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]