Scala media

Scala media

The scala media (also known as the cochlear duct) is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea, located in the inner ear. It is situated between the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani, both of which are perilymph filled spaces. The scala media is a critical component of the auditory system, playing a key role in the process of hearing.

Structure

The scala media is a triangular-shaped space, separated from the scala vestibuli by Reissner's membrane and from the scala tympani by the basilar membrane. The scala media contains the organ of Corti, which is the sensory organ of hearing. The organ of Corti contains hair cells that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Function

The scala media plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. Sound waves enter the ear and cause the tympanic membrane (or eardrum) to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the cochlea via the ossicles, causing the fluid in the scala media to move. This movement stimulates the hair cells in the organ of Corti, triggering an electrical signal that is sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the scala media can result in hearing loss or deafness. Conditions such as Meniere's disease and otosclerosis can affect the function of the scala media and lead to hearing impairment.

See also

• Cochlea
• Inner ear
• Hearing

References

  Diseases of the ear and mastoid process 

Outer ear

• Otitis externa
• Otomycosis

Middle ear
and mastoid

• Otitis media
• Mastoiditis 
  • Bezold's abscess
  • Gradenigo's syndrome
• Tympanosclerosis

• Cholesteatoma
• Perforated eardrum

Inner ear and
central pathways

Equilibrioception	Vertigo/Balance disorder: peripheral  Ménière's disease BPPV Vestibular neuronitis (Labyrinthitis) Perilymph fistula central (Central positional nystagmus)
Hearing	Hearing impairment Conductive hearing loss  Otosclerosis Superior canal dehiscence Sensorineural hearing loss  Presbycusis Cortical deafness Nonsyndromic deafness Excessive response Tinnitus Hyperacusis/Phonophobia Deafblindness Wolfram syndrome Usher syndrome Other Auditory processing disorder Spatial hearing loss

Scala media Resources
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