FIG. 7.

a In a continuous extension up the lateral wall is the smooth surface material (i.e., basal lamina) that coats small and large openings that previously contained the root processes of the outer sulcus (ESR). At the apical end of these openings, filamentous material is present and extends into the spiral prominence (SP). b The spiral prominence (SP) region exhibits short, septa-like extensions that appear to have previously surrounded the spiral prominence epithelial cells (yellow-filled areas). Further up the lateral wall is a spirally directed band of filaments (BD) that is approximately 15 μm in width. A collecting venules (CV) is also seen penetrating the lateral edge of this bundle and the underlying spiral ligament (SLIG).