Development of the Otoconia and Vestibular Sensory Cells in the Chick Embryo

Abstract

Normal development of the otoconia and vestibular sensory cells in the chick embryonal macula utriculi was observed by SEM. Also, the long and short axis of the macula utriculi was measured.
1. Mature type of otoconia and vestibular sensory cilia were seen in specimens from 11 day embryo (Stage 37). The average length of long axis at this time was 1.00 mm, and its of short axis was 0.74 mm.
2. Otoconial form was varied considerably to the maturation.
3. Vestibular sensory cilia on hatch showed mature and immature types. Maturation of the vestibular sensory cilia proceeded from striola to the circumference. The polarity of the vestibular sensory cells was first noticed after 9 days of incubation (Stage 35).