| Term: | neuromast ionocyte |
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| Note: | This page represents a term created by the combination ("post-composition") of two ontology terms. For more information on the individual terms, click the hyperlinked name. |
| Name: | neuromast |
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| Synonyms: | lateral line neuromast, lateral line organ, neuromasts |
| Definition: | Volcano-shaped lateral line sensory organ located in characteristic positions within the skin epithelium and containing hair cells and their support elements. (Also see Anatomical Atlas entry for lateral line by T. Whitfield.) |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0000243] |
| Name: | ionocyte |
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| Synonyms: | |
| Definition: | Specialized epithelial cells involved in the maintenance of osmotic homeostasis. They are characterized by abundant mitochondria and ion transporters. In amniotes, they are present in the renal system. In freshwater fish, ionocytes in the skin and gills help maintain osmotic homeostasis by absorbing salt from the external environment. |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0005323] |