| Term: | inner ear 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: | inner ear |
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| Synonyms: | ear, otic capsule, otocyst |
| Definition: | The auditory (hearing) and vestibular (balance) organ of the fish, equivalent to the inner ear of amniotes. (See Anatomical Atlas entry for ear by T. Whitfield.) |
| Ontology: | Anatomy Ontology [ZFA:0000217] |
| 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] |