pit membrane
Quick Summary
The term "pit membrane" can refer to two distinct biological structures. In plants, it is a membrane within a pit, composed of primary wall and middle lamella, which closes the pit externally.1
In reptiles, specifically pit vipers, boas, and pythons, "pit organs" contain a specialized membrane. This membrane is densely innervated and stretches across the pit cavity. It functions as a highly sensitive thermoreceptor, allowing these snakes to detect infrared radiation and locate warm-blooded prey in the dark. This membrane is crucial for their predatory behavior, enabling them to accurately strike at prey by sensing minute temperature differences.23
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