8
THE LATERAL LINE ORGAN
MECHANORECEPTORS"
AH3 FLOCK
I. Introduction . . . . . . . , . . . .
11. Structure of the Sense Organ . . . . . . . .
A. Methods of Ultrastructural Study
. . . . . .
B. CanalOrgans.
. . . . . . . . . .
C. Epidermal Organs
. . . . . . . . .
111. Sensory Excitation in the Hair Cell . . . . . . .
A. Methods in Physiological Study . . . . . . .
B. Properties of the Receptor Potential . . . . . .
C. Origin of the Receptor Potential
.
. . . . .
IV. Transmission at the Sensory Synapse
. . . . . .
V. Initiation of Nerve Impulses .
. . . . . . .
VI. The Central Nervous System and Feedback . . . . .
VII. Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . .
References
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
241
242
243
244
247
248
249
251
253
255
258
259
261
262
I. INTRODUCTION
It is intended here to deal in particular with new techniques in the
study of structure and function of lateral line organs. In morphological
work conventional electron microscopy is complemented by the scanning
microscope which opens a door to a new world of topographic beauty;
intracellular recordings from single hair cells may provide a new insight
into the mechanism by which hair cells transduce mechanical energy
into electrical activity in sensory nerve fibers; and data processing by
computer helps to analyze the message traveling in the nerve fibers to
* This work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research
Council, Therese and Johan Anderssons Minnesfond, Elin and Sven Sjobergs Minnesfond, King Custaf V jubileumsfond and by the National Institutes of Health
grant No. NB 03956-06.
241