<scp>Three‐dimensionally</scp> visualized ossification and mineralization process of the otic capsule in a postnatal developmental mouse

Objective We aimed to elucidate the ossification process of otic capsule in postnatal C57BL/6 mice and depict three-dimensional (3D) otoconial mineralization vivo. Methods The capsules were stained with alizarin red imaged/compared using micro-computed tomography on day (P) between P0 P8, P10, P15, P30 3–4 months old (P3–4Mo). reconstructed 3D images otoconia measured bone mineral density x-ray absorptiometry each age. Results revealed two centers at P0. One was observed around ampulla superior semicircular canal utricle, other posterior canal. cross-sectional views demonstrated that modiolar developed from base apex P4 P8. inter-scalar septum ossified bidirectionally modiolus bony P8 P15. mineralized first detected utricle P3 saccular P6. showed different growth trends. Conclusion To best our knowledge, this is study demonstrate appearance developmental stages mice. also septal calcification final event cochlea it can be susceptible pathological conditions (cochlear congenital malformations hereditary vestibular diseases). unique features duration may explain these humans. Level Evidence 3