Amphibian acoustico‐lateralis efferents

Efferent spikes were recorded from the nerves supplying the papilla amphibiorum, ampullae, and lateral‐line neuromasts of the mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus). Increased efferent activity was associated with rotatory, vibratory, and tactile stimulation and gill movements. In a single experiment it was possible to record efferents from the nerve to the papilla basilaris of a leopard frog (Rana pipiens). The function of acoustico‐lateralis efferents is not restricted to or closely associated with a single habit, habitat, phylogenetic group, or acoustico lateralis receptor. It seems likely that all acoustico‐lateralis receptors in all vertebrates receive efferent input.