Development of the Crista ampullaris in the Mouse

Abstract

There are many studies about development of crista ampullaris using the transmission electron microscope. This study demonstrated the morphological development of the crista ampullaris in the mouse using the scanning electron microscope. Crista ampullaris from the 11.5th gestational day to the 2 weeks postnatal day of CBA/CBA mouse were studied. On the 13.5th gestational day, there were numerous microvilli and primary cilium on the crista ampullaris. Sensory hairs appeared on the 14.5th gestational day. Its kinocilium and stereocilia were short and the length of stereocilia were almost equal. The formation of cupula started on the 14.5th gestational day. It had fine net-work structures.