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Fig. 1. Development of the otocyst. (A) Cross-section through a developing embryo at the level of the hindbrain (dorsal towards the top). The otic placode forms as a thickening of the surface ectoderm (blue) adjacent to the hindbrain (HB) and notochord (NC). The space between the hindbrain and the surface ectoderm is populated by periotic mesenchymal cells and some neural crest cells (pink). (B) As development continues, the placodes pinch off to form otic vesicles (purple). (C) Soon after closure of the otocyst (purple), neuroblasts (yellow), which give rise to the statoacoustic ganglion, delaminate from the anteroventral surface of the otocyst. (D) Next, the otocyst undergoes elaborate morphogenetic changes, including the dorsal extension of the endolymphatic ducts (ED), which will terminate in the endolymphatic sacs (not shown), in the dorsal region of the developing otocyst and the cochlear duct (CD) in the ventral region. (E) As development continues, the cochlear duct begins to coil and the semicircular canals (SSC) begin to form in the dorsal region of the ear. Developing sensory patches are illustrated in green. At the same time, periotic mesenchymal cells (pink) condense around the developing ear to form the bony labyrinth.





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