Influences on the coiling of the cochlea.

The growth and shape of the cochlea appears to be controlled by the formation of the cartilaginous capsule. Coiling of the cochlear duct is apparently the result of the physical barrier and support provided by the cartilage cells differentiating from mesenchyme surrounding the ventral portion of the otocyst. In addition, tissue interactions between this mesenchyme and the developing cochlear duct will influence the formation of the cartilaginous capsule and they may also be the origin of one of the controlling agents for the coiling mechanism.