Fish neuromast organ, close-up

Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of closep-up of hair cell of zebrafish neuromast organ in the lateral line system. The distinct clusters of shorter, tapering hairs can be seen at the bases of the stereocilia. The stereocilia work in a similar way to the hair cells of mammalian ears, detecting movements due to pressure changes in bodies of fluid (the cochlea is filled with fluid).