Vestibular duct

Vestibular duct

The Vestibular duct or scala vestibuli is one of the three fluid-filled passages in the cochlea. It is part of the inner ear and plays a crucial role in the process of hearing.

Etymology

The term "vestibular" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum", which means entrance hall. The term "scala" is derived from the Latin word for staircase, referring to the spiral structure of the cochlea.

Anatomy

The vestibular duct is located in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear. It is situated above the cochlear duct and below the scala tympani. It extends from the oval window in the middle ear to the helicotrema at the apex of the cochlea. The vestibular duct is filled with perilymph, a fluid that transmits sound vibrations to the cochlear duct.

Function

The primary function of the vestibular duct is to transmit sound vibrations from the stapes (one of the bones in the middle ear) to the cochlear duct. The stapes pushes on the oval window, causing the perilymph in the vestibular duct to move. This movement of fluid stimulates the sensory cells in the cochlear duct, which then send signals to the brain that are interpreted as sound.

Related Terms

• Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that contains the vestibular duct.
• Perilymph: The fluid that fills the vestibular duct and transmits sound vibrations.
• Scala tympani: The fluid-filled passage located below the cochlear duct.
• Stapes: One of the bones in the middle ear that transmits sound vibrations to the vestibular duct.

See Also

• Inner ear
• Hearing
• Cochlear duct
• Scala tympani

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  Diagram of the internal ear anatomy

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  Cross-section of the cochlea

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  Diagram of the cochlea

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  Diagram of the vestibular duct

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  Interior of the osseous labyrinth

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  Diagram of the vestibular system