Cochlear ganglion cells in the alligator lizard.

Two types of ganglion cells are present in the cochlear ganglion of the alligator lizard. Myelinated cells are the predominant type but a small population of unmyelinated cells is also present. Ganglion cells are reconstructed and morphometrically analyzed from serial light and electron micrographs. The results are interpreted to indicate that the unmyelinated ganglion cells are degenerating neurons. No normal population of unmyelinated nerve fibers was found. The anatomy of the cochlear nerve of the lizard is described and compared with the mammalian auditory nerve.