Morphological study of the middle and internal ear of Chinchilla laniger

Abstract

Introduction: Chinchilla laniger is a rodent that has been used as a model of ear research for more than 40 years; nevertheless, a macroscopic and microscopic detailed study of the ear in this animal is lacking. Purposes: To describe the anatomy and histology of the middle and inner ear of Chinchilla laniger. Materials and methods: Five adult chinchillas were used in this study. The macroscopic study was made with a computed tomography of the ear and then dissection under a microscope. For the microscopic study, ears were dissected, fixed, decalcified, included in paraffin and then sectioned and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results: A tympanomeatal flap was made via the external acoustic meatus, similar to a stapedectomy. The tympanic cavity was accessed through the posterosuperior quadrant to examine the malleus. A thin manubrium attached vertically to the eardrum could be observed. The malleus head is characterized by a large anterior process, instead of the anterior tympanomallear ligament, and it was fused to the incus. The lenticular process of the latter joined a thin stapedius, in which the vestige of the stapedial artery was observed (between the cruras). The promontory was visible easily because of its size and prominence. The oval window was located more superoanterior than the round window. The cochlea gave 31/2 turns around the modiolus. The organ of Corti, saccule, utricle and ampullary crest were identified in the histological sections. Conclusions: The ear of Chinchilla laniger is similar to the human ear, supporting its use as a model in ear research. The study of the ear, specially the cochlea, is difficult and needs great dedication in order to obtain good results.