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Anatomy and physiology of proprioceptors in the cirri ofBalanus hameri

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Summary

Anatomical studies on the 6 posterior cirri of the barnacle,Balanus hameri, have revealed the presence of a number of bipolar and multipolar sensory neurons in the coxopodite-basipodite-ramal (CBR) region which appear to function as proprioceptors. The cells are associated with two simple strands which terminate on the surface of the flexor muscles or on the hypodermis.

Electrophysiological results suggest that the units show uni-directional responses to movements of the limb segments. No position receptors were identified. The difference in receptor activity to imposed and endogenously generated limb movements suggest that many units normally function as muscle tension receptors.

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Clark, J.V., Dorsett, D.A. Anatomy and physiology of proprioceptors in the cirri ofBalanus hameri . J. Comp. Physiol. 123, 229–237 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00656875

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