Differentiation of the inner ear sensory epithelia of Proteus anguinus (Urodela, amphibia).

Abstract

The stages of differentiation of the inner ear sensory epithelia of the neotenous cave urodele, Proteus anguinus, was studied with light and electron microscopy. Comparative ultrastructural analysis among specimens of different sizes confirms that new sensory cells may be generated throughout life, particularly along the periphery of the saccular macula. The inner ear of Proteus contains at least four types of sensory cells that differ in their apical ciliary part. The lungs and air-filled buccal cavity may function as transducers of sound pressure in underwater conditions. Sound waves might be transmitted from the buccal cavity to the connected oval window. The very complex orientation of the sensory hair cells of the saccular macula and the large overlying saccular otoconial mass suggest that this macula facilitates orientation of Proteus in its underground aqueous habitat.