Cochlear cupula

Cochlear cupula is a structure found within the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. It is located in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that is responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses that can be interpreted by the brain.

Structure

The cochlear cupula is a gelatinous mass that sits atop the hair cells in the cochlea. It is composed of a protein called keratin and is surrounded by a fluid known as endolymph. The cupula is sensitive to changes in the movement of this fluid, which occur in response to sound vibrations.

Function

The primary function of the cochlear cupula is to aid in the detection of sound. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the fluid in the cochlea to move. This movement is detected by the cupula, which bends the hair cells beneath it. The bending of these hair cells triggers the release of chemical signals that are then converted into electrical signals and sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. This process allows us to perceive and interpret sounds.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the cochlear cupula can lead to a variety of hearing disorders. For example, Meniere's disease is a condition characterized by an excess of endolymph fluid in the inner ear, which can cause the cupula to become displaced and lead to symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Similarly, exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells beneath the cupula, leading to noise-induced hearing loss.

See also

• Inner ear
• Cochlea
• Hair cell
• Meniere's disease
• Noise-induced hearing loss