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The sensory epithelium and its innervation in the mole rat cochlea
Author(s) -
Raphael Yehoash,
Lenoir Marc,
Wroblewski Romuald,
Pujol Remy
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of comparative neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.855
H-Index - 209
eISSN - 1096-9861
pISSN - 0021-9967
DOI - 10.1002/cne.903140211
Subject(s) - cochlea , biology , efferent , hair cell , inner ear , outer hair cells , anatomy , mole , sensory system , basal (medicine) , ultrastructure , vestibular system , organ of corti , electron microscope , neuroscience , afferent , endocrinology , biochemistry , physics , insulin , optics
The mole rat ( Spalax ehrenbergi ) burrows throughout its life in subterranean tunnels. Several structural and functional features which adapt the mole rat to its habitat have been discerned. The goal of this study was to elucidate the structural basis for adaptation of the auditory end‐organ to an environment where low‐frequency acoustical signals prevail. For this purpose, cochleae of adult mole rats were studied with light and electron microscopy. Inner hair cells throughout the cochlea, and outer hair cells in the basal (high‐frequency) portion of the cochlea, were similar in structure to those seen in other mammals. In contrast, outer hair cells in the apical (low‐frequency) portion displayed unique structural features. These features resembled the structure of inner hair cells or immature outer hair cells. The innervation of outer hair cells was most uncommon, in that classical medial efferent innervation was not found throughout the cochlear spiral.