neuromast

anatomy

Also known as: lateral line organ, lateralline organ, sense-hillock(Show More)

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July 1, 2026

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A neuromast is a sensory organ found in aquatic vertebrates like fish and amphibians, forming a key part of the lateral line system. This system detects water movement and pressure changes, helping animals sense their surroundings, locate prey, and detect predators.

Each neuromast consists of sensory hair cells surrounded by supporting cells, all enclosed in a jelly-like substance called the cupula. When water moves, it bends the cupula, stimulating the hair cells. This stimulation sends signals to the brain, providing information about the direction and speed of water currents. In some species, like sharks, neuromasts have evolved into electroreceptors.

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lateral line system
…a series of mechanoreceptors called neuromasts (lateral line organs) arranged in an interconnected network along the head and body. This network is typically arranged in rows; however, neuromasts may also be organized singly. At its simplest, rows of neuromasts appear on the surface of the skin; however, for most fishes,…
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…a series of mechanoreceptors called neuromasts (lateral line organs) arranged in an interconnected network along the head and body. This network is typically arranged in rows; however, neuromasts may also be organized singly. At its simplest, rows of neuromasts appear on the surface of the skin; however, for most fishes,…
Read More

mechanoreception
Mechanoreceptor function
…organ, called a sense-hillock or neuromast, consists of a cluster of pear-shaped sensory cells surrounded by long, slender supporting cells. The sense hairs on top of the sensory cells project into a jellylike substance (the cupula) that bends in response to water displacement. The cupula stands freely in the surrounding…
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…organ, called a sense-hillock or neuromast, consists of a cluster of pear-shaped sensory cells surrounded by long, slender supporting cells. The sense hairs on top of the sensory cells project into a jellylike substance (the cupula) that bends in response to water displacement. The cupula stands freely in the surrounding…
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nervous system
Encephalization
… (hearing and equilibrium) and the lateral-line organs (vibration and pressure). The latter, situated in rows along the head and body, are retained in fish but disappear in the land vertebrates.
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… (hearing and equilibrium) and the lateral-line organs (vibration and pressure). The latter, situated in rows along the head and body, are retained in fish but disappear in the land vertebrates.
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