Quantum Type Bone Remodeling in the Human Otic Capsule: Morphometric Findings

Abstract

Distribution of secondary osteons labeled in vivo with tetracycline as a result of therapeutic administration of this drug during adult life was studied in undecalcified human temporal bones. Labeled osteons were recorded in relation to concentric 200 pm wide perilabyrinthine zones of compact capsular bone. The total osteonal count varied among individual bones, but since a centrifugal distribution of labeled osteons with respect to inner ear spaces was suggested in all specimens, all acquisitions were averaged. Zonal densities of labeled osteons were found to decline towards the perilymphatic space suggesting a role of inner ear tissues in the spatial organization of human perilabyrinthine bone behaviour.

Key Words:

• skeletal intermediary organization
• bone remodeling
• undecalcified processing
• microradiography
• fluorescent dyes
• temporal bone
• otic capsule