Summary
We have investigated the sensory systems ofTriturus vulgaris embryos after they become capable of swimming. Reducing the light intensity produces no short latency response but leads to an increase in spontaneous movements not dependent on the lateral eyes. The pineal eye is implicated, and recordings show that it is excited by dimming. Mechanical stimulation of trunk skin evokes movements. The innervation of trunk skin by free nerve-endings from Rohon-Beard cells is demonstrated using horseradish peroxidase staining. Recordings from Rohon-Beard cells show their receptive fields. They respond to deformation of the skin. The embryos appear to lack a propagated skin impulse.
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Roberts, A., Clarke, J.D.W. The sensory systems of embryos of the newt:Triturus vulgaris . J. Comp. Physiol. 152, 529–534 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00606442
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00606442