RESUMO
Objective To understand the structural characteristics and significance of the outer tunnel of corti's organ.Methods The structural characteristics of the outer tunnel were observed and analyzed with celloidin section and scanning electron microscope(SEM).Results The inner wall of outer tunnel consisted of the third row of outer hair cells(OHC) and the stalk of Deiter's cells in the basal and the first turn.Hensen's cells made up the outer wall of the outer tunnel.The stalks of Deiter's cells gradually moved to outer side to constitute the outer and top walls of outer tunnel from the basal turn to the top turn.The inner wall of outer tunnel consisted of the third OHC.The stalks of Deiter's cells moved to Hensen's cells to make the outer wall of the outer tunnel.The space of outer tunnel was gradually decreased.The outer tunnel was full of Deiter's cells in the third and fourth turn.The stalks of Deiter's cells tightly contacted with the Hensen's cells.Conclusion The structural characteristics of the outer tunnel play an important role in maintaining the stability of Corti's organ.