XXIV Electric Polarization of the Tectorial Membrane

Abstract

Experiments are described that show the tectorial membrane to be at zero potential between the positive (ca. +80 mv) potential of the endo-lymph and the negative (ca. -80 mv) potential of the organ of Corti. Further experiments show the negative potential of the organ of Corti to be controlled by the basilar membrane. Because of the differences in polarity between endolymph and the organ of Corti, the latter must have a different ionic content than endolymph.