Surface structures of vestibular end organs in surgical specimens.

Ampullary cristae and utricular maculae of 5 patients who underwent translabyrinthine acoustic tumor removal were studied under the scanning electron microscope. The surfaces of maculae and cristae showed different distribution of microvilli. Most of the sensory cells in all specimens were devoid of stereocilia, but usually the roots of the hairs were left in the tops of the cells. This indicates a tearing artifact during removal rather than degenerative change. The supporting cells of the maculae displayed kinocilia.