[Electron microscopic study of the tegmentum vasculosum of the cochlear canal in chick embryos].

Ultrastructural studies have been made on the three types of cells composing the tegmentum vasculosum in the cochlea of chick embryos as well as on the growth of capillaries within the tegmentum. Inside the tegmentum, specific intercellular cavities were found filled with a fibrillar network. Temporal correlation is discussed between the development of the auditory function of the cochlea and differentiation of the tegmentum. Possible functional role of different cell types and of the described cavities is also discussed.