Lab 14 The Ear: 1) Index 2) Introduction 3) Identify 4) Cristae Ampullaris 5) Cochlea 6) Practical

 

Cristae Ampullaris

 

# 196 - Crista ampullaris, h-e, guinea pig ear

 

Examine the slide by eye in order to locate the crest. Using your microscope observe the neuroepithelium and note the relationships among hair cells and cupula and sustentacular cells. Review electron micrographs of Type I and Type II hair cells.

REFERENCES: Gartner, pp. 394, Fig. 1 Ross, p. 780 (diagram); p. 792 -793 Wheater, p. 398, Fig. 21.28 crista ampullaris

 

This is an image of the Cristae Ampullaris shown outlined by the blue dotted line. This is the organ responsible for angular acceleration. There are three of these, one for each Semicircular canal. The red arrow is pointing to the Cupula.

Blue dotted line - Crista Ampullaris

Red arrow - Cupula

 

 

 

Here is a closer look at the tip of the Cristae Ampullaris. The red arrow is pointing to a hair, (stereo cilia) on one of the many hair cells which project their hairs into the jelly like Cupula (blue arrow). This way when the head moves, the cupula moves, which will bend the hairs to stimulate a electric signal.

Red arrow - Stereo Cilia or Hair of hair cell

Blue arrow - Cupula

Cristae Ampullaris

Cupula