Vestibular aqueduct

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Vestibular aqueduct is a bony canal that extends from the vestibule of the inner ear to the cranium, containing the endolymphatic duct, a part of the endolymphatic sac system. It is one of the two aqueducts of the vestibular system, the other being the cochlear aqueduct.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "vestibular" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum", which means entrance hall. The term "aqueduct" is derived from the Latin word "aqua", which means water, and "ductus", which means leading. Therefore, "vestibular aqueduct" can be interpreted as the water-leading entrance hall.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The vestibular aqueduct begins at the posterior part of the vestibule and runs backward and slightly upward to open in the posterior surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, near the sigmoid sinus. It transmits the endolymphatic duct and a small artery from the posterior cerebral artery.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct, also known as large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS), is a common congenital abnormality of the inner ear associated with sensorineural hearing loss. It is often bilateral and can be associated with other inner ear malformations.

See also[edit | edit source]

Vestibular aqueduct Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD