The distribution of radioactive sodium (22Na) and phosphorus (32P) and oxygen consumption in the stria vascularis and spiral ligament of guinea pigs was studied. The concentration of 32P in the stria vascularis with spiral ligament in each turn 24 h after the injection decreased from the basal turn to the apical turn. The concentration of 32P in the stria vascularis was approximately similar to that in the spiral ligament. The concentration of the radioactive isotope 24 h following the injection of 22Na in the stria vascularis with spiral ligament in the middle turn appeared higher than that of the other turns. The concentration of 22Na in the stria vascularis was higher than that in the spiral ligament. The oxygen consumption in 0.2% glucose Krebs Ringer phosphate solution of the spiral ligament as well as the stria vascularis was high. A view of the function of the stria vascularis and spiral ligament and endolymph formation were discussed.