The cochlear duct (a.k.a. the scala media) is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea, located between the tympanic duct and the vestibular duct, separated by the basilar membrane and the vestibular membrane (Reissner's membrane) respectively. The cochlear duct houses the organ of Corti.
Structure
The cochlear duct is part of the
cochlea. It is separated from the
tympanic duct (scala tympani) by the
basilar membrane.
It is separated from the
vestibular duct (scala vestibuli) by the vestibular membrane (Reissner's membrane).
The stria vascularis is located in the wall of the cochlear duct.
Development
The cochlear duct develops from the ventral
otic vesicle (otocyst).
It grows slightly flattened between the middle and outside of the body.
This development may be regulated by the genes EYA1, SIX1, GATA3, and TBX1.
The organ of Corti develops inside the cochlear duct.
Function
The cochlear duct contains the organ of Corti.
This is attached to the basilar membrane.
It also contains
endolymph, which contains high concentrations of K
+ for the function of inner hair cells and outer hair cells in the organ of Corti.
Clinical significance
Drugs delivered directly to the
tympanic duct will spread to all of the
cochlea except for the cochlear duct.
Rarely, the cochlear duct may develop to have the wrong shape.
== Additional images ==
External links
