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Figure 14


Fig. 14. The hypothetical function of Eimer's organ. Each organ is depicted schematically as a stack of epithelial cells with the free nerve endings running up each side. This structural configuration may allow for a tactile `snapshot' each time the nose touches a surface. Maximally active free nerve endings are indicated with an arrow. (A) The Eimer's organs with no tactile stimulus. (B) Hypothetical response to small, spherical surface features. (C) Hypothetical response to larger contours. (D) The free nerve terminals at the surface of an Eimer's organ in the star-nosed mole revealed with DiI. Each satellite terminal is given a number to represent position. (E) Schematic representation of the numbered terminals color-coded and arranged in a hexagon. (F) A scanning electron micrograph of the surface of the nose of the star-nosed mole showing Eimer's organs in a hexagonal array. (G) Schematized Eimer's organs with color-coded nerve terminals in a hexagonal array. (H) Eimer's organs compressed by a cylinder and a sphere. The color of the deflected hexagon reflects the direction of maximal displacement. (I) The two objects have been made translucent. The deflected Eimer's organs generate a stereotypic output signaling the shape and contours of the applied stimulus.





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