Neuronal and synaptic organization in the gravity receptor system of the statocyst of Octopus vulgaris

The neuronal and synaptic organization of the sensory epithelium (macula) of the gravity receptor system of Octopus vulgaris was investigated by serial electron microscopic reconstruction. Three different types of afferent neurons, unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar, are described. Afferent synapses...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cell and tissue research 1977-12, Vol.185 (4), p.491-503
Main Author: Colmers, W F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Gravitation
Hair - innervation
Microscopy, Electron
Neurons
Octopodiformes - anatomy & histology
Sense Organs - cytology
Space life sciences
Synapses
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Summary:The neuronal and synaptic organization of the sensory epithelium (macula) of the gravity receptor system of Octopus vulgaris was investigated by serial electron microscopic reconstruction. Three different types of afferent neurons, unipolar, bipolar, and multipolar, are described. Afferent synapses exist between the secondary sensory cells (hair cells) and the afferent neurons. Consequently, the neurons are first-order neurons. Two morphologically distinct types of afferent synapses could be identified: the most common type, present on every hair cell, has a finger-like postsynaptic process; the second type, which does not occur on every hair cell, has a flat or somewhat curved postsynaptic process. As a rule, the hair cells each form synapses with more than one afferent neuron. The neurons, in turn, form synapses with more than one hair cell. A complicated arrangement of efferent synapses was found at the level of both the hair cells and the neurons. The results are discussed with reference to their physiological consequences.
ISSN:0302-766X
1432-0878
DOI:10.1007/BF00220653