[The ultrastructure of the cochlear basilar membrane of the guinea pig]

The ultrastructure of the basilar membrane of the guinea pig cochlea is analysed. Measurements were made of the thickness of fibrillar and homogeneous layers along the cochlea of the width of bundles and spaces between them, and the distribution density of fibrils in the bundles. The analysis of the obtained characteristics has demonstrated that the homogeneous ground substance significantly contributes to the buildup of longitudinal stiffness of the basilar membrane.