Surface View of the Frog Vestibular Organ with the Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

The characteristic surface structure of the epithelial layer of the statoconia, the otolithic membrane, the macula statistica and the semicircular ampulla in frog was studied with scanning electron microscope, paying particular attention to the structure of the otolithic membrane, the relationship of the reticular structure and sensory hairs, the form of sensory hair, and the arrangement of sensory hairs in the sensory region of the semicircular ampulla, the detailed structure of which have not successfully been observed by electron or light microscopic methods. Further, the free surface of the transitional zone, the planum semilunatum and the gelatinous portion of the ampulla was demonstrated. New findings on the structure of the gelatinous portion are also described.