Cutaneous and subcutaneous sensory receptors of the hagfish Myxine glutinosa with special respect to the trigeminal system

Abstract

The integument of the hagfish Myxine glutinosa is described with respect to the topography and the fine structural organization of the dermal and hypodermal nerve fiber plexus. Both nerve fiber plexuses contain small ganglion cells with axodendritic and axosomatic synapscs. The six barbels of the head (4 nasal and 2 oral barbels) are supplied with about 5600 afferent trigeminal nerve fibers via the right and left ophthalmic nerve. With respect to the topography of the sensory nerve terminals in the barbels different types of receptors are termed the external cuff receptor, internal cuff receptor, and perichondrial receptor. Free nerve terminals occur within the epidermal layer, especially at the tip region of the barbels and in the glassy membrane of the dermis. The hypodermal edge receptor organ extends from the ventral nasal barbel to the oral barbel. A mechanoreceptive function of the different receptor types is discussed. The innervation pattern of the barbel is similar to the innervation of the mammalian sinus hair. In this context, the barbel is a highly differentiated receptor organ able to explore the nearest surroundings with high stereognostic perception. The ganglion cells of the skin seem to represent a part of the peripheral autonomic nervous system, which is involved in the control of secretion mechanisms.