The following elements are labelled:

• Scala vestibuli (V)
• Scala tympani (T)
• Vestibular membrane (M)
• Stria vascularis (SV) (see Figure 17.9)
• Organ of Corti (OC) associated with the spiral limbus (Lim) and its tectorial membrane (TM)
• Spiral ganglion (G) with its nerve fibres in the osseous spiral lamina (SL)
• Spiral ligament (Lig)

The framed area is shown in Figure 17.7B.

Figure 17.7B Organ of Corti and associated structures of a rodent.

The following structures are labelled:

• Tectorial membrane (TM)
• Basilar membrane (BM)
• Pillar cells (arrowheads) of the tunnel of Corti (TC)
• Hair cells (arrows)
• Supporting cells (S) of hair cells

The tectorial membrane, condensed by the fixation, is artificially separated here from the sensory hair cells of the organ of Corti.

The fine thread crossing the tunnel of Corti, in the direction of the hair cells, belongs to nerve fibers of the nerve (N) located in the osseous spiral lamina (SL) and reaching the spiral ganglion (see Figure 17.8).

Stain: H–­­E
Magnification: ×150 (Fig.7a); ×300 (Fig.7b)