Abstract
The amphibian ear undergoes considerable structural and functional changes across metamorphosis, guided by many of the same molecular factors that underlie induction and morphogenesis in other vertebrates. Inner ear morphogenesis is complete before metamorphic climax, but the eight sensory organs follow separate timetables. The saccule segregates from the common macula and differentiates prior to the utricle and semicircular canals. The lagena, the amphibian papilla, and the basilar papilla are the last organs to differentiate. After metamorphosis, continued development is indexed by increases in sizes of the sensory epithelia, in hair cell numbers, and in numbers of myelinated eighth nerve axons. Middle ear pathways are not complete until after metamorphic climax. Neural processing in the central auditory and vestibular nuclei in tadpoles reflects the state of development of the saccule and the middle ear system. Vestibular-guided behaviors are present throughout larval development, but auditory-evoked behaviors have not been documented in tadpoles.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
