Abstract
Histological observation was made on otoconia in celloidin serial sections of temporal bones of 76 cases (117 ears). The purpose of this investigation was to study the preservation of otoconia by examining postmortem changes and artifacts.
The major results and conclusions are as follows:
1) The preservation of otoconia was dependent on the degree of postmortem changes of the other inner ear structures. The maculae of the saccules showed greater loss or changes of otoconia than did those of the utricles.
2) Detatchment, partial and complete loss of otoconia from the macula comprised histologic changes of otoconia. Detatchment of otoconia was considered to be a postmortem change or artifact, and partial or complete loss was considered to be pathological.
3) The otoconial changes of the utricle which were found in the temporal bones that were well preserved and fixed were considered to be pathological.
4) The otoconial changes of the saccule may be pathological but must be evaluated carefully.
