title: The statocysts of molluscs.
abstract: This article presents a brief review of the morphology and physiology of molluscan statocysts. These sense organs provide the animals with information on orientation and, in some cases, velocity of movement. They vary in sophistication from rudimentary, to organs almost as complex as those found in higher vertebrates. The morphology of different types of statocysts is described as well as their afferent responses, efferent systems and pharmacology.
authors.affiliation: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, England.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Williamson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006112:Gravitation; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology*