The acousticolateral system plays an important role in the biological activity of vertebrates. It includes the organ of Corty, the vestibular and otolith apparatus, lateral-line organs and electroreceptors. Throughout the acousticolateral system, the sensory receptors are hair cells. Provided here is a comprehensive overview of current research on synaptic transmission in sensory hair cells. Morphological characteristics are presented and data on the properties and selectivity of various ionic channels are given. The mechanisms of neurotransmiter release from hair cells and the postsynaptic...