Phaserelations Between the Microphonic Crista Effect of the Three Semi-Circular Canals, the Cochlear Microphonics and the Motion of the Stapes

Abstract

The phaserelations between the microphonic crista effect of the three semicircular canals of the pigeon are found to “reflect” the second law of Ewald. Evidence is obtained that the crista effect has the same phase at both sides of the crista. The cochlea effect, recorded from the round window has its maximum negative value at the moment the stapes has its maximum inward velocity for frequencies between 200 and 1000/sec. For lower frequencies the phase of the microphonic effect is ahead of the phase of the stapes.

The results are discussed in relation with the model of the processes in the labyrinth organs recently developed from measurements on lateral line organs of fishes. It is shown that the second law of Ewald is a result of the histological structure of the cristae. The phaserelations between the microphonic effects of the cristae, the cochlear microphonics and the mechanical stimulus prove to be in accord with the model. The microphonics are in phase with the displacement of the cupulae (or tectorial membrane).