Lateral line
Lateral Line
The Lateral Line (pronunciation: /ˈlatərəl/ /lain/) is a system of sense organs found in aquatic vertebrates, used to detect movement, vibration, and pressure gradients in the surrounding water.
Etymology
The term "Lateral Line" is derived from the Latin words "latus" meaning "side" and "linea" meaning "line". This is due to the line of sensory organs typically running along the sides of the fish.
Function
The Lateral Line System is essential for fishes and some amphibians as it helps them to navigate, orient themselves relative to water currents, and detect prey or predators. The system works by detecting changes in water pressure from movements and vibrations around them.
Structure
The Lateral Line consists of a line of Neuromasts (small sensory organs) that extend along both sides of a fish from the head to the tail. Each neuromast is composed of a group of hair cells similar to those found in the human inner ear. When water flows over the neuromasts, it causes the hairs to move, which then sends a signal to the brain.
Related Terms
- Neuromast: A small sensory organ in fish and amphibians that is part of the lateral line system.
- Ampullae of Lorenzini: Special sensing organs, forming a network of jelly-filled pores, they allow sharks to detect the electric fields of other organisms.
- Electroreception: The biological ability to perceive natural electrical stimuli.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lateral line
- Wikipedia's article - Lateral line
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