acoustico-lateralis system
Quick Summary
The acoustico-lateralis system is a sensory system found in aquatic vertebrates like fish and amphibians. It comprises the lateral-line organs, which are sensitive to water displacements, and the inner-ear structures responsible for balance and hearing. These two components share a common embryonic origin and structural similarities, leading to their classification within the acoustico-lateralis system.12
The lateral-line organs, also known as neuromasts, detect minute water movements, helping animals locate prey, predators, or mates. In most fish, these organs are housed within mucus-filled canals beneath the skin. The inner ear, present in all vertebrates, includes semicircular canals for balance and a cochlea (in higher forms) for hearing. While the lateral-line system is prominent in aquatic life, it typically diminishes or disappears in adult amphibians and is absent in terrestrial vertebrates. Some fish, like sharks, have modified neuromasts that function as electroreceptors.1234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
mechanoreceptionMechanoreceptor functionā¦of these organs as the acoustico-lateralis system. The nerves to all the sense organs of the system arise from a common neural centre (called the acoustic tubercle in the wall of the brainās medulla oblongata). Among amphibians such as frogs, lateral-line organs and their neural connections disappear during the metamorphosisā¦
Read Moreā¦of these organs as the acoustico-lateralis system. The nerves to all the sense organs of the system arise from a common neural centre (called the acoustic tubercle in the wall of the brainās medulla oblongata). Among amphibians such as frogs, lateral-line organs and their neural connections disappear during the metamorphosisā¦
Read More
mechanoreceptionStatolith influencesAs receptors belonging to the acousticolateralis system, the otolith organs of vertebrates have hair cells of the same type that is found in lateral-line neuromasts. Under the electron microscope, the sensory hair cells show a pattern of polarization throughout the macula, indicating the directions in which the shearing otolith shouldā¦
Read MoreAs receptors belonging to the acousticolateralis system, the otolith organs of vertebrates have hair cells of the same type that is found in lateral-line neuromasts. Under the electron microscope, the sensory hair cells show a pattern of polarization throughout the macula, indicating the directions in which the shearing otolith shouldā¦
Read More
