Logo image
Chapter 15 - Hearing
Book chapter

Chapter 15 - Hearing

The Laboratory Fish, pp.250-259
Academic Press
2000
DOI: 10.1016/B978-012529650-2/50021-4

View Online

Abstract

The inner ear of fishes contains three sensory systems. Each of these sensory systems is specialized, based on specific accessory structures, to extract different physical properties of various mechanical stimuli: a system of one, two, or three semicircular canals that extract angular acceleration stimuli in the three cardinal planes; a system of one, two, or three maculae that extract linear acceleration from the environment; the auditory system is a highly variable set of sense organs that extracts sound from the environment. Any otolithic organ in the aquatic environment can presumably accomplish this by extracting near-field particle motion in a low frequency range. Additionally, a sensory organ of largely unexplored function, the papilla neglecta exists in many fishes. The swim bladder can also form direct connections with the ear. In the case of the herring this is achieved by two anterior extensions of the swim bladder to the utricle. These bubbles end in an osseous chamber near the utricle. This specialization may enable some herrings to perceive ultrasound frequencies.

Details

Metrics

25 Record Views
Logo image