[Studies on the patency of the reuniting duct (author's transl)].

Using human temporal bone specimens the patency of the reuniting duct was studied. The endolymph was marked by various dyes and fluorescent substance, during the application the cochlea remained closed. It is shown that the substances in the endolymph flow from the first turn of the cochlear duct via the reuniting duct into the saccule. The patency of the reuniting duct is confirmed by histological serial sections, and the clinical significance of these findings is discussed.