The fine structure of the lateral-line sense organs of dogfish

Abstract

The sense organs of the body lateral-line canals of Scyliorhinus were examined with the electron microscope and shown to consist of supporting cells and two kinds of sensory cell. One type of sensory cell has the well-known structure of hair cells, bearing on its apical surface a group of stereocilia (6 to 25) associated with a single kinocilium. Each hair cell is innervated by a sensory nerve fibre and some also receive an efferent nerve supply. The second kind of sensory cell is similar in appearance, but differs at the apex in containing many vacuoles and in lacking stereocilia. There are many long microvilli and a single cilium which arises from a shallow pit. The internal structure of this cilium is variable, with the number of tubules in the outer ring ranging between 7 and 9 and with the inner pair consisting of double elements. This type of sensory cell is innervated by sensory nerve fibres and possibly by efferent fibres. The situation of the kinocilium of a hair cell in relation to the stereocilia is more variable than has been described in other hair cells while the cilium of the second sensory cell appears to bear no special relation to the microvilli. The accessory cells of the neuromast include basal and peripheral supporting cells, many of which produce a secretion, and a large secretory cell which is found at intervals at the edge of the organ. This cell has a convoluted surface and is full of vesicles.