The ultrastructure of the human endolymphatic duct.
The fine structure of the human endolymphatic duct as observed at transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is described. After fixation of inner ears by perilymphatic perfusion adequately preserved tissue specimens were obtained. Our morphological findings seem to be in accordance with the earlier proposition that the human endolymphatic duct may be involved in endolymph resorption. The duct was found to contain otoconia-like bodies, suggesting that the endolymphatic duct and sac, may play a role in the turnover of macular otoconia.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004711:Endolymphatic Duct / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008875:Middle Aged