VertebratesVertebrates such as mammals have a vestibular structure that is specialized to trap sound (Hill et al. 2016). Hair cells (epithelial cells) are also present in the acoustico-lateralis system . These cells have rigid microvilli called stereocilia that utilize neurotransmitters to communicate with afferent neurons. This triggers a conduction of action potentials, which ultimately reaches the central nervous system.
|
InvertebratesInvertebrates such as insects have tympanal organs, which they use for hearing (Boyan 1993). The tympanal organ is a "thin cuticular tympanum" that moves with the sound waves hit. The mechanosensory cells are attached to this organ and this organ can be found on various parts of the insect's body.
|