What are the functions performed by the assembly manifest?

Each assembly's manifest performs the following functions:

Enumerates the files that make up the assembly.
Governs how references to the assembly's types and resources map to the files that contain their declarations and implementations.

Enumerates other assemblies on which the assembly depends.
Provides a level of indirection between consumers of the assembly and the assembly's implementation details.
Renders the assembly self-describing.