Tectorial membrane from guinea pig cochlea, showing V-shaped footprints where tallest row of stereocilia from each outer hair cell attach. Note that only the tips of the stereocilia are embedded in this membrane. Stereocilia of inner hair cells do not show such footprints. Magnification X 10, 000. Scanning electron micrograph. Supplied by Dr Spiro Comis, courtesy of Wellcome Images.