Reissner's Membrane: An Ultrastructural Study
- 1 August 1967
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery
- Vol. 86 (2) , 143-151
- https://doi.org/10.1001/archotol.1967.00760050145004
Abstract
REISSNER'S membrane1separates scala media from scala vestibuli. It extends from the limbus to the stria vascularis at its superior extent. Until Naftalin and Harrison2proposed that it served as a filter allowing the passage of sodium, but not potassium, ions from scala media to scala vestibuli, Reissner's membrane was assumed to function as a simple isolator. The thickness and relatively large number of cells in the lower layer, together with the increased surface area (microvilli), led Lawrence et al3to speculate that Reissner's membrane might well be a selectively absorbing tissue. Whether or not it serves this function is important to longitudinal and radial theories of endolymph flow.2-12The authors therefore feel that an ultrastructural description is timely. Methods and Materials Dark young guinea pigs weighing between 250 and 350 gm were decapitated, the bulli removed, the labyrinth opened and perfused with 2% veronal acetate buffered osmium tetroxide withinKeywords
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