Detection of Water Currents

The Lateral Line System is present within the skin of most aquatic amphibians but not known to occur in terrestrial species. These lateral lines are grooves which are populated by nueromast organs and are concentrated on the head and extends along the sides of the body and tail. These grooves may be covered by surface skin that has pores to allow currents of water to flow over the neuromast organs. These neuromasts provide the animal with information about the direction it is moving in as well as disturbances in the water. Navigation appears to be the primary role of the lateral line system.