A fine structural analysis of the statocyst in Aplysia californica

Each statocyst in Apylsia californica contains 13 neurons. The statocyst nerve, which connects each statocyst to the cerebral ganglion, contains only the 13 axons of the statocyst neurons. The size of the statocyst, the number of neurons in the statocyst, and the average axonal diameter does not change even though the statocyst nerve lengthens greatly as the animal enlarges. A description of the statoconia and the supporting cells in this organ has been given. This prepazation may be useful for microelectrode studies designed to test whether the gap and cytoplasmic specializations that are used to identify active synapses, are necessary for all types of chemical synaptic transmission.