Crossword clues for statocyst
statocyst
Wiktionary
n. A balance organ present in some aquatic invertebrates, consisting of a sac-like structure containing a statolith and numerous innervated setae.
Wikipedia
The statocyst is a balance sensory receptor present in some aquatic invertebrates, including bivalves, cnidarians, echinoderms, cephalopods, and crustaceans. A similar structure is also found in Xenoturbella. The statocyst consists of a sac-like structure containing a mineralised mass (statolith) and numerous innervated sensory hairs ( setae). The statolith's inertia causes it to push against the setae when the animal accelerates. Deflection of setae by the statolith in response to gravity activates neurons, providing feedback to the animal on change in orientation and allowing balance to be maintained.
In other words, the statolith shifts as the animal moves. Any movement large enough to throw the organism off balance causes the statolith to brush against tiny bristles which in turn send a message to the brain to correct its balance.
Usage examples of "statocyst".
The statocysts in such creatures open to the outside world through narrow apertures, and the statoliths are not bits of calcium carbonate but are, rather, sand particles the creature actually places within the statocysts.
The shrimp with which he was experimenting innocently introduced iron filings into the statocyst.
Because the statocyst is located in the internal ear, it is more commonly, though less appropriately, called the otocyst (oh'toh-sist.