Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Basilar Papilla of the Lizard (Anolis Carolinensis)

Abstract

The lizard is a useful model for study of the biophysics of peripheral auditory function, not least because it has a hearing organ that is relatively simple compared to the mammalian cochlea. To fully understand inner ear mechanisms, an accurate and detailed description of anatomy is required. To that end we describe morphology and arrangement of haircells along the basilar papilla of the lizard species Anolis carolinensis, as revealed using scanning electron microscopy. We also provide details of the methods for obtaining and preparing specimens for the electron microscope.