Objective To investigate the structure and function of cross-links on stereocilia of guinea pig outer hair cell (OHC). Method The ultrastructures of cross-links on stereocilia of guinea pig OHC were observed by scanning electron microscopy and tannic acid procedures. Results The side-links ran horizontally between OHC stereocilia. The stereocilia of the same and different row on each hair cell were joined by horizontally-running links. The side-links were observed in the first turn as well as the fourth turn. There were more side-links on the intact stereocilia than that on the disrupted arrangement. The side-links in the first turn and the fourth turn were more abundant than that in the second turn and the third turn. The side-links between stereocilia were spare if the stereocilia were separated. The number of side-links on stereocilia was proportional to the number of bulb-like structures on stereocilia. Conclusion The side-link is a kind of morphological structure on hair cells stereocilia of cochlea. The results suggest that cross-links play an important role in maintaining the structure and function of the hair cell stereocilia.

This paper presented the hereditary pattern of otosclerosis in families. Among 1500 cases there were 13 patients, belonging to 6 families, and 20 ears were surgically treated. There was often a marked similarity in clinical features of affected siblings within the same family.The clinical characteristics are as following: (1) The age at inset of hearing loss seems similar. There is a difference of 1 or 2 years in two families znc 3 to 10 years in the other four. (2) The side of first hearing loss is the same in affected individuals of 6 families. (3) The propositi are females in 5 families (83.3%). (4) Auditory curve of hearing loss is similar in 4 familiers, and different in the other two. (5) The footplate lesions are similar in macroscopic features, thin footplate in two fimalies and thick footplate in the other four.

Objective To establish a method for resuming the three dimensional shape of micro-structures in the inner ear and for designing the surgical approach of the posterior ampullary nerve (PAN) assisted by computer. Methods Four normal temporal bones were harvested within 24 hours after death and processed according to the traditional celloidin sectioning protocol. With the reference points to determine accurate orientation, the structural contours of each serial section were entered into an imaging computer via a digitizer. The data files were generated by a reconstruction software to display 3-D images of the structures on the computer monitor. The measuring software written by authors was adapted to obtain 3-D parameters and carry out surgical approach calculation and simulation of the PAN transection on the imaging computer.Results The lifelike 3-D images of the PAN and its neighboring structures and many important 3-D anatomic parameters were obtained. The PAN can be dissected completely and perfectly without damaging itself and its neighboring structures. For the exposure of the round window membrane (RWM), the postero-superior bony edge of the round window niche (RWN) was partially removed with a diamond bur. The limit in removing bony tissue of the RWN which suggested by the measuring results should be 1 mm superiorly and 2 mm posteriorly, otherwise the RWM might be damaged. A mathematical method which has the mid-point of inferior margin of the round window membrane as the reference point to find the PAN was built up. The 3-D surgical simulation of the PAN transection can be played step by step on the monitor.Conclusions The technique of computer-aided 3-D reconstruction which was introduced into the process of the micro-surgery's study and design, provides abundant anatomic knowledge and useful information for the PAN transection. In the near future, the technique of the computer-assisted surgery will be developed consummately and most operations will be performed more effectively and safely.