Friday 27 April 2012

7th Sense

The seventh sense is the pressure sensors.
Lateral line
The lateral line system of sharks extends from the head to the caudal fin. It contains sensory cells embedded in jelly and is connected to the skin surface by small pores. The jelly conducts shock waves to the sensory cells.

Pit Organ
The pit organ consists of two oversized denticles which cover a small pocket in the skin. At the bottom of this pocket is a collection of sensory hair cells. Many sharks have these pit organs in greater numbers on their backs, sides and lower jaw. The exact function of the pit organ has not yet been determined, but most likely sharks use it to register mechanical stimuli such as water currents.

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