What role does the mantle play in the life of mollusks?

The mantle is a special area of the mollusk. He looks out from under the sink. In fact, it is a fold. The space between the mantle and the body of the mollusk is a cavity. It has gills, anus. The top of the mantle is covered with a shell, and this is no coincidence. It is the shell epithelium cells that synthesize the shell, which protects the mollusk from the harmful environment. If the mantle inside is irritated by a foreign body, then it forms a pearl – a piece of limestone covered with a pearl layer on top – a beautiful and expensive piece of jewelry.