Secretory Epithelial Linings in the Ampullae of the Guinea Pig Labyrinth

Abstract

Three major epithelial linings of the ampulla were investigated with the electromicroscope with special reference to their morphological characteristics and it is attempted to correlate these with the possible function of this area. All these epithelia, the sensory supporting cells, planum semilunatum and dark cells demonstrate some features which are suggestive of secretory and perhaps reabsorptive processes. However, further investigations will clearly be required before these two functions can be correlated more specifically to the precise cell areas in which they occur.