Osseous labyrinth

Osseous Labyrinth

The osseous labyrinth is a complex structure in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the human sense of balance and hearing. It is composed of three main parts: the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The osseous labyrinth is a bony canal in the temporal bone of the skull, filled with a fluid called perilymph. It is lined with a delicate, membranous structure known as the membranous labyrinth, which is filled with a different fluid called endolymph.

Vestibule[edit | edit source]

The vestibule is the central part of the osseous labyrinth, and it is where the semicircular canals and the cochlea connect. It contains two important structures: the utricle and the saccule, which are responsible for detecting gravity and linear acceleration.

Semicircular Canals[edit | edit source]

The semicircular canals are three bony, fluid-filled tubes in the inner ear. They are responsible for detecting rotational movements. Each canal is oriented at a different angle and is sensitive to different directions of rotation.

Cochlea[edit | edit source]

The cochlea is a spiral-shaped part of the inner ear, responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Function[edit | edit source]

The osseous labyrinth plays a crucial role in two senses: hearing and balance. The cochlea is involved in hearing, while the vestibule and semicircular canals are involved in balance.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Diseases and conditions that affect the osseous labyrinth can lead to symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. These include Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and labyrinthitis.