The Innervation of the Developing Fowl Embryo Otocyst in Vivo and in Vitro

Abstract

The development of the innervation of the sensory neuro-epithelium of the inner ear has been studied in organ cultures of the chicken-embryo otocyst and in the developing chicken embryo, with particular reference to the origin of the nerve endings and neurones. It is suggested that they originate from their embryonic centres in the mesenchyinatous tissue surrounding the otocyst, and reach the neuro-epithelial cells through gaps in the otic capsule and the basement membrane.