Ultrastructure of the different zones of the tectorial membrane

The tectorial membrane (t.m.) of mammals, which lies over the organ of Corti, is made up of an agglomerate of protofibrils of varying degrees of hydration. Two types of protofibrils are clearly distinguishable in the mouse t.m. While type-A protofibrils are straight and unbranched (thickness: 110A) demonstrating a periodic structure (period = 70 A), type-B protofibrils are branched and coiled (thickness: 150-200 A). These protofibrils could be systematically ordered according to the different t.m. zones. Type-A protofibrils predominate in the basal layer and in the entire middle zone, where they are interlaced with strongly hydrated type-B protofibrils. Weakly hydrated type-B protofibrils essentially make up the marginal zone (with the marginal net), the covering net, Hensen's stripe and the immediate contact layer with the limbus.