Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: O'Neill P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3518548 | biostudies-literature | 2012
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
O'Neill Paul P Mak Siu-Shan SS Fritzsch Bernd B Ladher Raj K RK Baker Clare V H CV
Nature communications 20120101
The paratympanic organ, a mechanosensory hair cell-containing pouch in the amniote middle ear, was first described 100 years ago, yet its origins remain unresolved. Homology with the anamniote spiracular organ is supported by association with homologous skeletal elements and similar central targets of afferent neurons, suggesting it might be a remnant of the water-dependent lateral line system, otherwise lost during the amniote transition to terrestrial life. However, this is incompatible with s ...[more]