Cuticular mechanoreception in the antennal flagellum of the rock lobster Palinurus vulgaris

Abstract

1. 1. Cuticular mechanoreception of the antennal flagellum in the rock lobster Palinurus vulgaris has been studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrophysiological methods. 2. 2. Five types of mechanoreceptors have been identified on the flagellum; the spine-like structures, the feathered hairs, the smooth hairs, the hydrodynamic receptors and the vibration receptors. 3. 3. All the mechanoreceptors identified are innervated by one or several sensory cells which respond either to water movements or to contact of the flagellum with hard objects surrounding the animal. 4. 4. The physiological properties of the sensory neurones have been studied using direct selective mechanical stimulation of the cuticular sensory organs and during different kinds of water disturbances. 5. 5. The functional significance of the different mechanoreceptors is discussed.