Objective: To observe the ultrastructure of the ampulla, and analyze its physiological and pathological significance. Methods: In this study, 20 Kunming mice were used, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of the ampulla of inner ear. Results: Otoconia was found among the cilia bundles of different haircell(intercilla otoconia of ampulla). The cupula was attached to the lateral wall of the ampulla, and easily to be separated; after separated, a kind of slender crystal(surface otoconia of ampulla) could be seen between the cupula and lateral wall of the ampulla, both sides of ampullary crest were covered with slender crystals too. On the canal side of the ampulla wall, there was more particulate matter attached to the wall near the bottom of ampullary crest, partially embedded in the wall, and less on the utricle side of the ampulla wall. Conclusions: The observation of the ultrastructure of the ampulla is helpful for better understanding the physiological functions of the semicircular canals and the ampulla, and better understanding the pathogenesis and solution of some vertigo diseases.
目的： 通过观察小鼠内耳壶腹超微结构，探讨其生理及病理意义。 方法： 20只昆明小鼠，采用扫描电镜观察其内耳壶腹超微结构。 结果： 扫描电镜下，壶腹嵴不同的毛细胞纤毛束之间可以观察到耳石结构的存在（壶腹嵴纤毛间耳石）；嵴帽与壶腹外侧壁相黏贴，二者容易分离，分离后在嵴帽和壶腹外侧壁之间可以观察到纤细的晶体样颗粒物，在壶腹嵴两侧壁上也可以观察到该纤细的晶体样颗粒物（壶腹嵴表面耳石）；在壶腹半规管侧壁近壶腹嵴底处有较多颗粒物黏附，部分埋于壁内，而壶腹椭圆囊侧壁则很少有这种颗粒物。 结论： 通过对小鼠壶腹超微结构的观察，我们能够更好地理解半规管和壶腹的生理功能，有助于对相关眩晕疾病发病机制和转归的理解。.
Keywords: Ampulla; Mice; Microscopy, electron, scanning; Otoconia.