This book describes the embryonic development of the vertebrate inner ear in six chapters that span all aspects of inner ear development, from the induction of the otic placode through cellular morphogenesis, to the onset of auditory function. In each chapter, a particular aspect of development of the inner ear is examined in terms of both classic embryologic experiments and more recent advances using molecular biological techniques.

The development of the ear in the embryo and the molecular factors that influence its formation will be described in six chapters that span the period between otic placode and functional ear. The book will interest scientists who study inner ear biology, as well as developmental biologists who work in other systems but have an interest in a review of the field of work on the developing ear as well. This book might also be useful for clinicians who wish to know more about the development of the ear and about the genetic and molecular factors that regulate its formation.

From the reviews:

"Since I was committed to writing several comprehensive reviews about ear development, I had anticipated that the book would be of a great help in these endeavors and I was not disappointed. Typical of this series, the seven chapters are authoritative, thoughtful, and timely treatises . there remains ample need for the deeper and more scholarly full-length treatises offered here. My looming sense of despair about ever staying abreast of the literature has been mollified through the valiant efforts of these authors." (Donna M-Fekete, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 81, December, 2006)

"This book presents a highly detailed and up-to-date report of the state of experimental embryology of the vertebrate inner ear. Descriptive micrographs and illustrations are excellent and add much to the text. This book will be of great value to scientists and students working in the disciplines associated with development of the inner ear." (American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol. 29, April, 2008)

Inhalt
Developmental Neurobiology of the Ear: Current Status and Future Directions.- The Induction of the Otic Placode.- Morphogenesis of the Inner Ear.- Wiring the Ear to the Brain: The Molecular Basis of Neurosensory Development, Differentiation, and Survival.- Notch Signaling and Cell Fate Determination in the Vertebrate Inner Ear.- The Differentiation of Hair Cells.- Developmental Genes Associated with Human Hearing Loss.