Resting potentials in the inner sulcus and tunnel of corti.

Under constant visual guidance and closed-circuit television monitoring, electrodes are inserted into the fluid spaces of the organ of Corti. The resting electrical potentials are determined with respect to the neutral voltage of the guinea pig and related to other potentials of the auditory labyrinth. The resting potential of the subtectorial space, inner sulcus, tunnel and other spaces of Corti's organ are found to be the same as, or slightly more negative than the potential of perilymph. The tectorial membrane isolates the reticular lamina from endolymph which fact, when considered along with other evidence, indicates a more biophysical than mechanical role for the membrane. A motion picture is presented showing the cells and spaces of the organ of Corti and the placement of electrodes.