Otolithic membranes of the saccule and utricle in man

Science. 1967 Sep 22;157(3795):1454-6. doi: 10.1126/science.157.3795.1454.

Abstract

The otolithic membranes of the human saccule and utricle can be prepared as whole mounts or surface specimens for microscopic examination. They are not simple, homogeneous, gelatinous structures as heretofore described. Instead, each shows a definite and characteristic fibrillar design, which appears to be correlated with the known cytoarchitectural pattern of the underlying neuroepithelium.

MeSH terms

  • Ear, Inner / anatomy & histology*
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Gravitation
  • Humans
  • Membranes / anatomy & histology
  • Microscopy, Phase-Contrast
  • Sensory Receptor Cells*
  • Sound
  • Temporal Bone
  • Vestibule, Labyrinth / physiology