Histomorphometric mapping of melanocytes in the inner ear: a study of human temporal bones

ABSTRACT

The inner ear in 100 human temporal bones of various age groups was mapped out for ten different locations on each bone, using semiquantitative histomorphometric measures to assess the distribution of pigmentary cells in the labyrinth in the various age groups. The mean pigmentary intensity of the various inner ear location in the various age groups was assessed and tabulated. It was concluded that possible functional correlations to the different pigmentary distributions are suggested. A chronological alteration in pigmentary pattern was shown and was related to the development of the inner ear and to the developmental period during which hearing function is established. Pigment was detected in the subepithelial space of the round window niche and is explained by the migratory ability of the melanocyte