[Methods of histological treatment of the labyrinth]

The otic labyrinth presents one of the most difficult objects for histological investigations as it is situated in the thick layer of the temporal bone and has a very complex structure. At the same time, a method for treating this object is not given in general hand-books on pathological techniques. The methods for histological treatment of the otic labyrinth elaborated by Wittmaack and later on modified are presented in the article. Methods for fixation, vital fixation including, decalcination, dehydratation and saturation of the objects prepared for histological investigation are described in details. Methods for the temporal bone orientation in order to obtain sections of the internal otic structures in the most advantageous plane depending on the purpose and aim of the investigation are recommended.