The fine structure of the so-called olfactory organ ofOctopus vulgarishas been investigated. Electron microscopy shows the superficial layer of the epithelium to consist mainly of cells bearing microvilli. Below this, often very deeply, lie very many large cells, which bear numerous cilia. These cells open to the surface via narrow processes running between the epithelial cells. Although details of their innervation have yet to be established the large cells are assumed to be receptors and these findings are interpreted as evidence that this organ is indeed chemosensory.
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