Cupula response and functional anatomy to pressure application in the pigeon

Abstract

In this study, horizontal semicircular canal of the pigeon was inserted with a microfill, 164 µn; meter in outer diameter, to gauge the pressure change in the canal and to clarify two things. One is whether the endolymph passes through the crista ampullaris or not. The other is as to the space where the endolymph passes through in the crista ampullaris if the endolymph goes through the crista. The pressure applications were performed by using Evans blue solution and as a result three pressure groups, i.e., 1) high, 2) moderate and 3) low were discriminated. Our results suggest that the endolymphatic fluid passes through the subcupular space or the top of the crista ampullaris when the pressure is enough small like the head rotates in daily life. Accordingly we present a new hypothesis as to the functional anatomy of the cupula in contrast to current hypotheses e.g. drum membrane or revolving door.