Elemental composition of the mature inner ear.

An X-ray energy dispersive analysis was performed on the mature serial sectioned freeze-dried mammalian labyrinth (CBA/CBA mouse). The elemental distribution in the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces revealed similar results as have been reported in the literature when withdrawing fluid for microanalysis. The cupulae of the vestibular organs showed only minimal relative peak intensities of chlorine and potassium in contrast to the tectorial membrane in the cochlea with elemental identification also of sodium, sulphur and calcium. A difference in structural composition is therefore likely between these two tissues.