[Electron-microscopic study of the vestibular dark and wall cells]

The ultrastructure of the dark cells and wall cells in the vestibular apparatus of the healthy guinea pigs (21 ears) and disordered guinea pigs (12 ears) were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that otoconia were absorbed mainly by the dark cells, secondly the wall cells. A non-cellular substance was found on the surface of the dark and wall cells and in the endolymphatic space. Probably this substance is related to the absorption of otoconia, particularly the disordered otoconia.