The area acustico-vestibularis of Discoglossus pictus. I. Cytoarchitecture and ultrastructure features.

The cytoarchitecture of the area acustico-vestibularis (AAV) in Discoglossus pictus is studied by means of normal stained material. In addition, the main ultrastructural features of the cells in the AAV are described. Basically, three different components are found: the dorsal, ventral and medial cell columns. While the two former are made up by the dorsal and ventral nuclei respectively, the medial column is formed by a rostrally located cerebellar nucleus and a caudal nucleus, which extends up to the obex level. The ultrastructure of the neurons in the AAV reveals a typical cell organization similar to that of other cell types in the anuran brain. Resemblances with vestibular cells of other vertebrates, together with certain own peculiarities are discussed. The most common synapses in the AAV are also commented.