Figure 6

Scanning electron micrograph analysis of two Aplysia chemosensory organs. Aplysia species possess rhinophore (rhino) and oral tentacles (ot) to detect chemical stimuli in their marine environment. (a to c) Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) migrographs showing the surface of the Aplysia rhinophore. Scale bars: 300 μm, 100 μm and 10 μm, respectively. (a) A low-power SEM micrograph showing the rhinophore tip. rg, rhinophore groove; tip, rhinophore tip. (b) A medium-power SEM micrograph of the rhinophore tip showing the cilia-bearing epithelium within the rhinophore groove. f, folds. (c) Higher-power SEM micrograph of groove epithelium (boxed region in b) showing numerous bunched cilia extending from a common pore. Also evident are pores lacking obvious bunched cilia. ci, numerous long cilia. (d to f) SEM micrographs showing the surface of the Aplysia oral tentacle. Scale bars 1 mm, 10 μm and 1 μm, respectively. (d) A low-power SEM micrograph showing the oral tentacle. ant, anterior. (e) A medium-power SEM micrograph of the oral tentacle showing a mat of cilia-bearing epithelium. (f) Higher-power SEM micrograph of epithelium (boxed region in e) showing numerous bunched cilia extending from a common pore.