The lateral-line system, also known as the lateral-line organ or the lateral-line organ system, is a sensing organ system found in aquatic vertebrates which is used to detect movements in water. This system is composed of a network of neuromasts (sensory cells) located along the surface of the body, in a pattern known as the lateral line. These neuromasts are connected to the central nervous system and allow the animal to detect changes in pressure and vibration in the surrounding water, allowing for navigation, predator avoidance and prey detection (Yamamoto et al., 2020).
The lateral line system is found in many aquatic vertebrates, including fish, amphibians and reptiles. It is also found in some invertebrates such as squid and octopus. In fish, the lateral line system is made up of a series of small canals, known as lateral-line canals, which are located along the length of the fish’s body. These canals are filled with a fluid containing sensory cells, known as neuromasts, which are sensitive to water movements. The neuromasts are connected to the central nervous system and allow the animal to detect changes in water pressure and vibration. This can be used to detect the presence of predators or prey, as well as allowing the fish to orient itself in its environment by detecting water currents (Yamamoto et al., 2020).
The lateral-line system is an important part of the sensory system of aquatic vertebrates, allowing them to detect changes in their environment and providing them with the ability to navigate and detect prey. It is believed that the lateral-line system evolved from the lateral-line canals of ancient aquatic vertebrates, which were used to detect changes in water pressure and vibration (Yamamoto et al., 2020).
The lateral-line system has also been studied in humans. Studies have shown that humans can detect water pressure and vibration through the skin, suggesting that humans may have a rudimentary lateral-line system (Navarrete et al., 2020).
In conclusion, the lateral-line system is an important sensory organ found in many aquatic vertebrates. It is composed of a network of neuromasts located along the body which are sensitive to changes in water pressure and vibration. This allows the animal to detect predators, prey and water currents, aiding in navigation and providing an important part of the sensory system.
References
Navarrete, E., Santiago, J., Sánchez-Perales, C., & Sánchez-Navarro, J. P. (2020). Cutaneous detection of water pressure and vibration in humans. Scientific Reports, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63786-2
Yamamoto, M. K., Katayama, N., & Sato, M. (2020). The Lateral-Line System in Aquatic Vertebrates: Structure and Function. Frontiers in Physiology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00250