Abstract
The star-nosed mole possesses a conspicuous specialization of its snout in the form of 22 fleshy appendages that fan out from around the nostrils. These appendages are used by the mole to explore its underground environment and are repeatedly brought into contact with objects of interest to the mole. This report describes the structure, innervation, and distribution of the sensory organs on the star of the star-nosed mole and briefly describes the behavioral use of the star. Each of the 22 appendages of the star is covered with a continuous array of Eimer's organs. These sensory receptors are modifications of the epidermal surface that take the form of bulbous papillae. Each Eimer's organ contains a column or stack of epidermal cells accompanied by nerve processes that originate from myelinated fibers in the underlying dermis. These neural processes travel through the cell column and form terminal swellings just below the outer layer of keratinized epidermis. Each Eimer's organ also contains a single Merkel cell-neurite complex within the cell column and a single lamellated corpuscle immediately below the cell column in the connective tissue of the dermis. There are approximately 30,000 Eimer's organs on the snout of this mammal, making this structure perhaps the most sensitive tactile organ yet discovered for its size. The segregation of these organs to individual appendages, not unlike the fingers of primates, affords an intriguing model for the study of somatosensory systems in mammals.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.