Hensen's Cell Cyst of the Organ of Corti

Abstract

The temporal bone collection at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary contains the bones of two subjects with bilaterally symmetrical cyst formations in the Hensen's cell areas of the organs of Corti. In both subjects the cysts are located in the 8-14-mm regions of the cochlear ducts. Both cochleas of one subject show pressure atrophy of the outer hair cells, demonstrating that the cysts may have the potential for producing high-tone hearing loss. While the genesis and contents of the cysts are unknown, it is postulated that they may represent the coalescence of lipid droplets extruded from Hensen's cells.

Key Words:

• organ of Corti
• temporal bone pathology