Definition of neuromast in English:
neuromast
noun ˈnjʊərə(ʊ)mastˈn(y)o͝orəˌmast
Zoology A sensory organ of fishes and larval or aquatic amphibians, typically forming part of the lateral line system.
Example sentencesExamples
- Adult salamanders that feed in water possess both ampullary organs and neuromasts, and probably use both to direct their feeding strikes, in addition to visual, olfactory, and tactile cues.
- The macular neuromast organs bear otoliths, as described above.
- The lateral line system of fishes and many amphibians comprises lines of mechanoreceptive neuromasts distributed over the head and trunk.
- The size and number of cranial neuromasts has increased, possibly to more effectively avoid obstacles while swimming in darkness.
- The neuromasts of this canal are the only ones to be innervated by the otic branch of the facialis nerve, or by its superficial ophthalmic branch.
Origin
Early 20th century: from neuro- 'of nerves' + Greek mastos 'breast'.