[Scanning electron microscopic observation of the fetal stria vascularis]

To get full appreciation of the ultrastructural features in the stria vascularis of human fetal cochlea.

The Stria vascularis in human fetal cochlea were observed by scanning electron microscope.

The cells of the fetal stria vascularis present round. All cell surfaces are covered with a thick layer of microvilli. The transition zone is between the stria vascularis and the spiral prominence. The shape of cells gradually changes on the spiral prominence and becomes more irregular. Several cells have a structure of elongated hexagons. The structure of the intermediate cells, basal cells and capillary were also observed from the fractural surface in the stria vascularis.

The surface structures of the whole stria vascularis were observed by scanning electron microscope, especially the surface appearance of the marginal cells. New information will be provided for understanding the structure and function in the stria vascularis.