Anatomy And Physiology Of The Onset Of Auditory Function

Abstract

Early cochlear microphonic and eighth nerve action potentials were recorded at the round window in fetal and young guinea pigs, kittens and puppies. Their cochkas were later studied by light and electron microscopy. Our results tend to confirm earlier studies about the main events and sequence of structural and functional development. Onset of function in the organ of Corti coincided with opening of the tunnel space, formation of the inner spiral sulcus and separation of the tectorial membrane. Correlation with electron microscopic findings shows that the earliest cochlear potentials follows by a few days early myelination and formation of both afferent and efferent neuro-epithelial synapses.