Some Surface Views of The Inner Ear By Light Microscopy

Abstract

Investigations were performed by light microscope on the surface areas of the tympanal wall of the ductus cochlearis of the guinea pig, rabbit, cat and dog. Dissected specimens of the cochlea after silver reaction were used. This staining method was very helpful in observing the structure with fine high contrast. When Huschke's teeth of the spiral limbs are viewed from above, they run from the modiolus toward the inner sulcus cells with many interposed bridges between them. The surface extensions of the interdental cells (superficial cells of the spiral limbs) make a radial mosaic pavement as a whole in the direction from the modiolus toward the inner sulcus cells with slightly increasing surface area. The free surface of the inner sulcus cell becomes smaller toward the inner supporting cells. The reticular membrane maintains its compact structure in cases in which outer or inner hair cells have failed to develop. The pattern of repair of the reticular membrane was shown. At the border between Hensen's and Claudius’ cells a row of longitudinally arranged epithelial cells of considerable size was observed in the surface view specimen. The free surface of Hensen's cells of the first row is elongated outwards.