neuroepithelium

Epithelial cells specialized for the reception of external stimuli. Most neuroepithelial cells, notably the hair cells of the inner ear and the receptor cells of the taste buds, are not true neurons but transducer cells that stand in synaptic contact with the peripheral endings of sensory ganglion cells. The neuroepithelial receptor cells of the olfactory epithelium, by contrast, are true peripheral neurons whose extremely thin, unmyelinated axons compose the olfactory filaments that enter the olfactory bulb of the cerebral hemisphere. The NA also applies the term to the rods and cones of the retina. SYN: neurepithelium, neuroepithelial cells.

- n. of ampullary crest the specialized sensory hair cells in the ampullary crest of the ampulla of each semicircular duct.

- n. of macula the specialized sensory hair cells of the epithelium of the macula sacculi and macula utriculi. SEE ALSO: macula.

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neu·ro·ep·i·the·li·um -'thē-lē-əm n, pl -lia -lē-ə

1) the part of the embryonic ectoderm that gives rise to the nervous system

2) the modified epithelium of an organ of special sense

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n.

a type of epithelium associated with organs of special sense. It contains sensory nerve endings and is found in the retina, the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, the mucous membrane lining the nasal cavity, and the taste buds.

• neuroepithelial adj.

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neu·ro·epi·the·li·um (noor″o-ep″ĭ-theґle-əm) [neuro- + epithelium] 1. simple columnar epithelium made up of cells specialized to serve as sensory cells for the reception of external stimuli, such as the sensory cells of the cochlea, vestibule, nasal mucosa, and tongue. Called also neurepithelium and sensory epithelium. 2. the epithelium of the ectoderm, from which the central nervous system is developed.