Amphid

/ˈæmfɪd/ noun

Definition

A sensory organ in nematodes (roundworms) consisting of paired nerve endings that detect chemical signals in the environment.

Etymology

From Greek 'amphi-' (both) + '-id' (structure or part), referring to the bilateral pair of sensory structures in worms.

Kelly Says

C. elegans roundworms—the most studied organism in genetics—have amphids that let them taste chemicals and navigate toward food, and scientists use these worms to understand how billions of neurons work together.

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