The Capillary Areas In The Rabbit Cochlea

Abstract

The vascular system of the rabbit cochlea was demonstrated by the aid of contrast injection. The capillary areas are principally very similar to the human and guinea pig cochlea. The main differences are the existence of sparse capillaries on the vestib-ular membrane and the absence of the vessel of the basilar membrane. The vessel of the spiral prominence appears as the most important capillary vessel of the external wall, according to its rich vascular supply. The absence of the vessel under the tunnel of Corti makes the rabbit particularly interesting for hearing research concerning the complicated question of the oxygen supply to the organ of Corti.