[Granular neurons of the cochlear complex in rats]

In the cochlear complex of white male rats the dorsal nucleus, the anterior ventral nucleus, the posterior ventral nucleus and the granular layer were studied histologically and morphometrically. While counting the number of different cells in all the above mentioned formations, by means of ocular grid (S.B. Stefanov, 1974) it was revealed that the granular neurons of the cochlear nuclei of the rats form 72--86 per cent of all the cells. The granular cells represent an independent type of neurons and these differ clearly from other neurons by the diameter of their nuclei and by the size of the pericarion. The granular cells form two cell types according to patterns of their nuclei, and these cell types are independent of each other within the limits of every cochlear complex. Percentage of different types of neurons in different parts of cochlear nuclei depends on the cell density. The distribution of the granular neurons is independent on that of large and middle size neurons.