Lateral line

/lˈatəɹəl lˈaɪn/

/lˈæɾɚɹəl lˈaɪn/

[noun]

Lateral line

[NOUN]

a sensory system found in fish and some aquatic animals that detects changes in water pressure

synonyms : lateral line organ

What is "lateral line"?

The lateral line is a specialized sensory system present in fish and certain aquatic animals. It consists of a series of small sensory organs called neuromasts, which are arranged in a line along the sides of the body. These neuromasts detect changes in water pressure and movement, allowing the animals to sense vibrations, water currents, and the presence of nearby objects or prey. The lateral line system plays a crucial role in the navigation, feeding, and social interactions of these animals in their aquatic habitats.

Examples

1. The small fish in coral reefs use their lateral lines as a defense mechanism.

2. They have lateral lines down the sides of their body that they can pick up on movements in the water.

3. You can even see the organs responsible for it in the lateral line on some sharks and fish.