Fine Morphology of the Tectorial Membrane: Its Relationship to the Organ of Corti

Tectorial membranes of humans and animals were examined with the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The outer margin of the tectorial membrane is formed by the marginal band and marginal net which anchor to the phalanges of the outermost row of Deiters’ cells or Hensen's cells, or both. The tallest rows of the “W” formation of the outer sensory cell hairs are firmly embedded in Hardesty's membrane, which is a continuation of the “marginal complex.” Hensen's stripe, also found on the undersurface of the membrane near the inner hair cells, is morphologically similar to the marginal complex. The stripe possesses well-arranged “trabeculae” on its outer margin. These trabeculae are thought to anchor to the inner phalanges of inner phalangeal cells or border cells, or both.