Questions and Answers
What is the cochlear duct?
What is the function of the spiral organ of Corti?
It is responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.
Where is the scala tympani located?
What is the scala vestibuli?
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The vestibular membrane is located at the base of the cochlea.
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What is the purpose of the basilar membrane?
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Study Notes
Cochlear Duct
- The cochlear duct, also known as the scala media, is a part of the inner ear filled with endolymph fluid.
- It is crucial for converting sound vibrations into neural signals, facilitating the process of hearing.
- Located between the scala tympani and scala vestibuli, it contains sensory cells responsible for detecting sound.
Spiral Organ of Corti
- The spiral organ of Corti houses hair cells and is essential for converting sound waves into electrical signals.
- It sits atop the basilar membrane and spans the length of the cochlea, playing a vital role in the auditory system.
- Hair cells within the organ are responsible for sensory transduction, crucial for hearing.
Scala Tympani
- The scala tympani is one of the three fluid-filled chambers in the cochlea, containing perilymph fluid.
- It lies below the cochlear duct and extends from the round window to the apex of the cochlea.
- The scala tympani is involved in pressure equalization during sound wave transmission.
Scala Vestibuli
- The scala vestibuli is another fluid-filled chamber in the cochlea, also containing perilymph fluid.
- It is located above the cochlear duct and connects to the oval window, aiding in sound wave propagation.
- The scala vestibuli plays a role in the initial stages of sound wave transmission through the cochlea.
Vestibular Membrane
- The vestibular membrane separates the scala vestibuli from the cochlear duct.
- It is a thin, flexible structure that plays a part in maintaining the ionic composition of the endolymph within the cochlear duct.
- This membrane helps regulate fluid movement between the scala vestibuli and scala media.
Basilar Membrane
- The basilar membrane separates the cochlear duct from the scala tympani.
- It vibrates in response to sound waves, with its stiffness varying along the cochlea, allowing for frequency discrimination.
- The movement of the basilar membrane causes the hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti to bend, initiating auditory transduction.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the cochlea with this quiz. Explore key terms such as cochlear duct, spiral organ of Corti, and the scala vestibuli. Perfect for students of biology or audiology!
