Light and Electron Microscopic Features of the Rat Vestibular Ganglion Cells

The vestibular ganglion cells of the rat were characterized with regard to the cytoplasmic structure by light and electron microscopic observation. Light microscopy revealed four types of cells, depending upon the characteristics and distribution of Nissl granules. Electron microscopy gave a definite classification of these types by the arrangement and distribution of the roughly surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and neurofilament. The characteristics of the ganglion cells are discussed in relation to their size and function.