Dark cell
Dark cell | |
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Anatomical terminology |
Dark cells are specialized nonsensory
Morphological and immunohistochemical studies in several species have indicated that these dark cell areas also form a single layer resting on top of pigmented cells at the base of the cristae ampullaris in the semi-circular canals and around the
Structure
Dark cells are morphologically and functionally similar to marginal cells of the stria vascularis as they both display characteristics of fluid transport tissue; however, studies indicate an earlier histological and immunohistological maturity in the dark-cell areas compared to the stria vascularis.[2]
The dark cell epithelium consists of cells with a multitude of pinocytotic vesicles near their luminal surface. A numerable portion of infoldings occurs at the basal end of the dark cell toward the basal membrane. These infoldings contain a high quantity of mitochondria. The nucleus of the dark cell is displaced toward the surface.[3]
Function
Vestibular dark cells transport
The
The basolateral membrane also contains a
The apical membranes of the dark cells also have a K+ channel which is formed of two subunits, the
Research
Many species (with recent studies done on dogs) are affected by balance disorders and hearing problems that can be caused by a problem in the dark-cell areas in the vestibular endorgans. Studies researching damaged dark cells due to genetic abnormalities or therapeutics are very important in attempting to understand the onset and mechanism of said balance impairments.[9]
Dogs have been used as models due to similarities between humans and dogs with regards to inner ear size, inner ear lesions and susceptibility to
See also
List of distinct cell types in the adult human body