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The osphradium of Conus flavidus

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Abstract

The osphradium of Conus flavidus, Lamarck has been examined by histological methods. Each lamella consists of 3 clearly defined regions: a dorsal spine and digitiform processes extending ventrally, composed of pseudostratified epithelium and occasional hair cells; a lateral and interdigitating region which contains numerous hair cells arranged in discrete ridges; a lamella nerve originating from the osphradial ganglion which sends a branch down the centre of each digitiform process. Each lamella has ciliary tracts which cause fluid, impinging on the osphradium, to be passed repeatedly between the lamellae and, therefore, to come into contact with the hair cells which are believed to be the primary sensory units of chemoreception in this organ. The whole structure responds immediately to substances dissolved in water by increased lamellar movement and by arching of the whole structure in towards the osphradial axis.

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  1. C. G. Alexander

    Present address: School of Biological Sciences, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, Queensland, Australia

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    1. C. G. Alexander
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    Communicated by G. F. Humphrey, Cronulla

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    Alexander, C.G. The osphradium of Conus flavidus . Marine Biology 6, 236–240 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347231

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00347231

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