2000
DOI: 10.1159/000047201
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Epidermal Sensory Organs of Moles, Shrew Moles, and Desmans: A Study of the Family Talpidae with Comments on the Function and Evolution of Eimer’s Organ

Abstract: The epidermal sensory organs of members of the family Talpidae (moles, shrew-moles, and desmans) were investigated and compared to determine the range of sensory specializations and better understand how they evolved. Small domed mechanosensory organs called ‘Eimer’s organs’ were present on the rhinarium of nearly all species of talpids, but not among the sister group of shrews (Soricidae) or other insectivore families. This suggests that the common ancestor to the talpids possessed Eimer’s organs. Two species… Show more

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Cited by 58 publications
(59 citation statements)
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“…2B). Such mechanosensory organs are found on the noses of most moles (18)(19)(20) and are anatomically similar to small, domed push rods found on the snout of distantly related monotremes (21)(22)(23)(24). In star-nosed moles, each organ is about 40-60 μm in diameter and has a small (15-20 μm) central disk on the outer surface.…”
Section: Sensory Organs and Innervation Of The Starmentioning
confidence: 70%
“…2B). Such mechanosensory organs are found on the noses of most moles (18)(19)(20) and are anatomically similar to small, domed push rods found on the snout of distantly related monotremes (21)(22)(23)(24). In star-nosed moles, each organ is about 40-60 μm in diameter and has a small (15-20 μm) central disk on the outer surface.…”
Section: Sensory Organs and Innervation Of The Starmentioning
confidence: 70%
“…The position of the central column at the center of the organ and extending to the surface of the epithelial dome may provide a means for the entire structure to respond to very slight indentations, thus allowing for a high degree of tactile acuity. The central column free nerve endings in particular, located in a circular arrangement along the outside edge of the central column, are in an ideal position to register the mechanical stresses to the deflection of the column in different directions (Catania, 2000). This directional sensitivity has also been suggested for the vesicle chain receptors of the push rod (Andres and von During, 1984;Andres et al, 1991).…”
Section: Tonofibrils and Central Columnmentioning
confidence: 87%
“…Most other mole species share this particular adaptation, and it appears to play a major role in tactile acuity (Catania, 2000). A larger structure in the monotremes called a push rod has a similar configuration of epithelial cells and sensory receptors (Andres and von During, 1984;Andres et al, 1991;Manger and Hughes, 1992;Iggo et al, 1996;Manger and Pettigrew, 1996).…”
Section: Discussionmentioning
confidence: 99%
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