Vestibular system (Wiki) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestibular_system This article on how humans maintain their balance is provided for reference. The infundibular balance organ in amphioxus larvae (Goog) http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/azo/2000/00000081/00000001/art00005 Only abstract available online. I got the PDF through the library. Also discussed in Anterior Cerebral Vesicle. "The balance organ lies just in front of the infundibular cells and consists of 10 electron-dense cells with long, bulbous cilia, each surrounded by a ring of accessory cells. The ciliary bulb cells have axons that terminate in vesicle-filled swellings that lack identifiable synapses. The accessory cells have short basal processes that are minor contributors to the adjacent neuropile. Based on morphology, we suggest a mechanosensory function for the ciliary bulb cells, possibly related to balance or motion detection." Lacalli: 2001 The infundibular balance organ in amphioxus larvae and related aspects of cerebral vesicle organization Acta Zoologica http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120188782/abstract Link to abstract only, but I have the PDF. |