Fine Structure of Vestibular Supporting Cell in the Guinea Pig

Abstract

Supporting cells of the guinea pig macula and thc ampullary crista were observed using TEM and SEM. Morphological structure of the macular supporting cell was basically identical to that of the ampullary crista. The reticular membrane found in the upper part of the supporting cell body consisted of aggregated intermediate filaments. The possible function of the reticular membrane is to enhance the stiffness of the supporting cell frame work, but also to play some role in maintaining the suspension of the sensory cells. Abundant granules were observed in the supporting cell and the granules were secreted from the cell surface. Structure of the granule and pattern of the secretion did not differ between the macula and the crista. Functional relationship between the granules and neighboring structure, such as the cupula or the otolithic membrane should be further studied.