The endolymphatic sac of Lacerta s. sicula (embryo, juvenile and adult) was studied with the scanning electron microscope. Already in the 10 mm long embryo the endolymphatic sac contains aragonite crystals. Initially these crystals increase in number and size progressively through the successive developmental stages and then their number decreases drastically. Before hatching sets in some aragonite crystals fall into the sacculus to stratify over the calcite crystals; these latter appear as soon as the sacculus starts forming in the 16 mm long embryo. The calcite and aragonite crystals together constitute the otolithic membrane of the sacculus. In the peripheral otoliths of the endolymphatic sac in embryos (just before hatching), in juveniles and in adults signs of erosion are clearly visible, an expression of the process of décalcification. A double role for this organ is proposed: 1) It partecipates in the morphogenesis of aragonite otoliths, and 2) It serves as a calcium deposit.
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Con il contributo del Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali