Stria vascularis of cochlear duct

Cross section of the cochlea. Stria vascularis is labeled at the top.

The Stria Vascularis is a part of the cochlea in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the auditory system. It is responsible for producing the endolymph and maintaining the high potassium concentration required for the transduction of sound signals.

Structure

The Stria Vascularis is located on the outer wall of the cochlear duct, which is a part of the scala media. It 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 primarily responsible for its production.

Function

The primary function of the Stria Vascularis is to produce endolymph, which fills the scala media. This fluid is unique due to its high potassium concentration, which is essential for the conversion of sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the Stria Vascularis can lead to hearing loss. For example, Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder, can cause damage to the Stria Vascularis and result in progressive hearing loss.

See Also

• Cochlea
• Endolymph
• Alport syndrome