Figure 1.

Dissection and plating of a mouse cochlear explant. (A) An example cochlea that has been removed from the temporal bone (vestibular apparatus removed). It is easiest to begin removing the bony cochlear wall from the base of the cochlea, starting at either the round or oval window (green arrow, A). (B) Once the bony cochlear wall is removed, grasp the spiral ligament at the base (green arrow, B) and unwind it from the modiolus. The arrow is pointing at a dark line. This is a dissection “landmark” that will help ascertain a gap between the stria vascularis and neurosensory epithelium. This gap is a good place to start when prising the stria vascularis from the organ of Corti. (C) Two example explants in different positions. The explant on the left is incorrectly oriented with the hair cells touching the surface of the membrane. The explant on the right is in the correct position. When the explant is correctly oriented, Reissner's membrane is clearly visible (green arrow, C,D). (D) An example explant that has adhered to the Millicell membrane. When excess NB solution is removed, the explant adheres to the Millicell membrane. At this stage, gently moving the explant into a crescent shape (as shown) is recommended. After a few hours incubation, the explant can no longer be moved. Note: Reissner's membrane (green arrow, D) has been moved away from the hair cells and has adhered to the Millicell membrane.