Stria vascularis

Stria vascularis is a part of the cochlea in the inner ear, responsible for producing the endolymph that bathes the sensory cells of the ear. It is a highly vascularized structure, hence its name, and is located on the outer wall of the cochlea.

Structure

The stria vascularis is composed of three layers of cells: the marginal cells, intermediate cells, and basal cells. The marginal cells are in contact with the endolymph and are responsible for its production. The intermediate cells are located between the marginal and basal cells and are connected to the basal cells by tight junctions. The basal cells are in contact with the perilymph, which is the fluid that surrounds the cells of the stria vascularis.

Function

The main function of the stria vascularis is to produce endolymph, the fluid that bathes the sensory cells of the ear. This fluid is rich in potassium ions, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the sensory cells. The stria vascularis also helps to maintain the electrochemical gradient that is necessary for the sensory cells to detect sound.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the stria vascularis can lead to hearing loss. For example, Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and the ears, can cause damage to the stria vascularis and result in hearing loss. Similarly, Meniere's disease, a disorder of the inner ear, can cause an overproduction of endolymph, leading to an increase in pressure in the cochlea and damage to the stria vascularis.

See also

• Cochlea
• Endolymph
• Perilymph
• Alport syndrome
• Meniere's disease

References

Stria vascularis Resources
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