The lantern of Echinus esculentus (L. ) I. Gross anatomy and physiology

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Abstract
Aristotle''s lantern of E. esculentus is a complex apparatus capable of complex movement. The musculature has been described many times, but details are given here of a muscle (the postural muscle) and its innervation that have not previously received attention. This muscle covers the sides of the calcareous pyramids, and is innervated from a different soucre to the protractor muscles, with which it is in physical continuity. The hyponeural tissue associated with the latern and from which the nerve tracts stem, consists of ten small differentiated massess one on either side of each radial cord just above the circumoral ring. Nerves from this area run to all the component muscles of the latern. Physiological experiments carried out on the latern show that the muscles provide interesting neuromuscular preparations. The gross movements of the latern indicate that the retractors open the jaws, and are antagonized by the comminators that close the jaws. Withdrawal of the jaw apparatus into the mouth is accomplished by the retractors; protrusion by the protractors. The postural muscles probably stabilize the jaws in any particular position. The lantern shows rhythmic activity when first exposed in dissection, and this activity is affected by electrical stimulation of the radial cords. The retractor muscles also exhibit rhythmic movements that are modified by electrical stimulation. The muscles may be stimulated electrically directly or indirectly via the nerve supply, and details are given of the responses of the system to such stimulation.

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