Although, neurosensory systems might have evolved independently in ctenophores, very little is known about their organization and functions. Most ctenophores are pelagic and deep‐water species and cannot be bred in the laboratory. Thus, it is not surprising that neuroanatomical data are available for only one genus within the group—
Ctenophores are descendants of one of the earliest branching metazoan lineage with enigmatic nervous systems. The lack of convenient neurogenic molecules and neurotransmitters suggests an extensive parallel evolution and independent origins of neurons and synapses. However, the field lags due to the lack of microanatomical data about the neuro‐muscular systems in this group of animals. Here, using immunohistochemistry and scanning electron microscopy, we describe the organization of both muscular and nervous systems in the sea gooseberry,
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10375644
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Comparative Neurology
- Volume:
- 527
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0021-9967
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- p. 406-436
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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