Ampullae are specialized structures found in various organisms, serving different functions depending on the context. In the context of the inner ear, for example, ampullae are part of the vestibular system and contain sensory cells that detect angular motion and balance. In echinoderms, such as sea stars, ampullae are involved in the water vascular system, helping to control movement and feeding by facilitating the extension of tube feet. Overall, ampullae play crucial roles in sensory perception and locomotion across different species.
They connect the radial canal to the ampullae in the water vascular system.
The ampullae of Lorenzini are specialized electroreceptor organs found in cartilaginous fish such as sharks and rays. They function to detect weak electric fields produced by other organisms, helping these predators locate their prey even in dark or murky waters.
The crista ampullaris is the sensory organ of rotation located in the semicircular canal of the inner ear. The function of the crista ampullaris is to sense angular acceleration and deceleration.
Electrical fields
The ampulla on a starfish is part of the water vascular system, and stores water and sends it to tiny tube feet on the ventral side of a starfish's arms. This process helps starfish move, as the water vascular system is the part of the starfish responsible for locomotion.
Ampullae of Lorenzini
The ampullae of Lorenzini detect electrical fields generated by other animals, helping sharks locate prey and navigate in their environment.
The ampullae of Lorenzini are special sensing organs called electroreceptors, forming a network of jelly-filled canals. They are mostly discussed as being found in cartilaginous fishes (sharks, rays, and chimaeras); however, they are also reported to be found in Chondrostei such as Reedfish[1] and sturgeon.[2] Lungfish have also been reported to have them.[1] Teleosts have re-evolved a different type of electroreceptors.[2] They were first described by Stefano Lorenzini in 1678
Freshwater fish do not have ampullae of Lorenzini, which are specialized electroreceptive organs primarily found in certain species of cartilaginous fish, such as sharks and rays. These organs allow these marine species to detect electric fields in the water, aiding in navigation and hunting. While some fish, like catfish, possess other forms of electroreception, they do not have the same structure as the ampullae of Lorenzini found in their marine relatives.
As a dilated portion of a canal or duct, it is the semicircular canal of the ear
it helps the shark by sending signals to its brain about what it smells
I belive your question refers to the «ampullae of Lorenzini».These ampullae of Lorenzini are sharks electroreceptor organs, and they are very efficient to detect and find prey, as well as a «biologic GPS device» sharks use for orientation, using the Earth magnetic fied.