Redefinition of the macula neglecta in mammals

Abstract

The rudimentary sensory end organ in the vestibule at the junctions of the utricle and semicircular canals was investigated in 70 mammalian inner ears, cut serially in horizontal plane. The epithelial mound at the horizontal semicircular canal‐utricular junction, which has been called macula neglecta, was observed in almost all of the human and dog specimens and in 25% of the squirrel monkeys. The designation “epithelial moud of latero‐posterior utricular fold” is recommended. In the cat and dog, but in none of the other mammalian ears examined, a rudimentary sensory end organ was observed on the anterior medial wall of the inferior utricular sinus. The designation “sensura neglecta” is suggested.