Vestibular aqueducts

Vestibular Aqueducts are a part of the inner ear that are involved in the process of hearing and balance. They are small, bony canals that house the endolymphatic duct, which carries endolymph from the inner ear to the endolymphatic sac.

Anatomy

The vestibular aqueduct begins in the inner ear and extends into the temporal bone of the skull. It is one of the two aqueducts of the vestibular system, the other being the cochlear aqueduct. The vestibular aqueduct houses the endolymphatic duct, which connects the endolymphatic sac to the vestibular system of the inner ear.

Function

The primary function of the vestibular aqueduct is to facilitate the flow of endolymph from the inner ear to the endolymphatic sac. This flow of fluid is crucial for the proper functioning of the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Additionally, the endolymph in the vestibular system also plays a role in the process of hearing.

Clinical significance

Enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct is a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children. This condition, known as large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS), can lead to progressive or fluctuating hearing loss, and may also be associated with vertigo or balance disorders. Diagnosis of LVAS is typically made through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan.

See also

• Inner ear
• Vestibular system
• Endolymph
• Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome