[Development of the osseous structures of internal ear in human foetuses].

PURPOSE: Assessment of development of selected osseous structures of internal ear (cochlea, vestibule, modiolus) in human foetuses aged between 9-32 weeks was the aim of this study. Human osseous labyrinth is a very interesting albeit difficult research subject. Current study represents a trial to summarize the knowledge about its development in prenatal period available so far. At the same time it underlines the importance of research on the development of ear's structures for prevention of hearing disorders as well as for their early development and treatment.

METHODS: Descriptive methods: macroscopic, radiological, anthropometric and histological were used in this study.

RESULTS: The presence of arcuate eminence as well as subarcuate fossa was established which proves the development of osseous labyrinth inside the petrous part of temporal bone. Points of ossification of the otic capsule were described. Highest dynamics of development and abundance of morphological forms was found in the II group of foetuses including those between 18-24 week of intrauterine life.