Physiological properties of lateral line receptors of the lamprey

Single unit recording from the lateral line nerve of the lamprey revealed the existence of two types of afferents. One type reacts to electric fields (threshold 10-30 microV/cm) and is insensitive to weak mechanical stimuli. The other type is very sensitive to water displacement and does not respond to weak electric fields. The properties of the electroreceptors of the lamprey are discussed and compared with other types of electroreceptors.