stria vascularis morphology trait strial marginal cell morphology trait VT:0004366 Any measurable or observable characteristic related to the shape, structure, color or pattern of the polarized columnar cells of epithelial origin which cover the lateral surface of the cochlear duct, secrete K+ and form a continuous sheet in contact with the endolymph; marginal cells form extensive interdigitations with the basal and intermediate cells in the normal adult stria. Trait.ontology