Microvasculature of the stria vascularis in the round window area in the rat. A scanning electron microscopy study.

This paper reports the results of a scanning electron microscopy study of corrosion cast preparation of the vessels in the cochlea of the rat. This method confirms the general findings about the cochlear vascularization, but also gives the opportunity to study the detailed pattern of the vascular supply of the stria vascularis in the round window area. The basal end of the stria vascularis has a remarkably different vascular anatomy compared with the other areas of the cochlea. The possible role of the vessels in the round area is discussed.