Sulcus spiralis externus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 20:48, 15 February 2025

The sulcus spiralis externus is a groove located in the cochlea of the inner ear. It plays a crucial role in the auditory system by contributing to the structure and function of the organ of Corti, which is essential for hearing.

Anatomy[edit]

The sulcus spiralis externus is situated on the outer wall of the cochlear duct, adjacent to the stria vascularis. It is part of the spiral ligament, which supports the cochlear duct and helps maintain its shape. The sulcus spiralis externus is bordered by the spiral prominence and the outer sulcus cells.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the sulcus spiralis externus is to provide structural support to the cochlear duct. It also plays a role in the distribution of endolymph, the fluid within the cochlear duct, which is vital for the transduction of sound waves into electrical signals by the hair cells of the organ of Corti.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Abnormalities or damage to the sulcus spiralis externus can affect the function of the cochlea and lead to hearing loss. Conditions such as Meniere's disease and cochlear otosclerosis may involve changes in the structure or function of the sulcus spiralis externus.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Sulcus spiralis externus''' is a structure found in the [[cochlea]] of the [[inner ear]]. It is a groove that separates the [[basilar membrane]] from the [[vestibular membrane]], and is an important part of the auditory system.
+The '''sulcus spiralis externus''' is a groove located in the [[cochlea]] of the [[inner ear]]. It plays a crucial role in the auditory system by contributing to the structure and function of the [[organ of Corti]], which is essential for [[hearing]].
-== Anatomy ==
+=== Anatomy ===
-The sulcus spiralis externus is located in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. It is a groove that separates the basilar membrane, which supports the [[organ of Corti]], from the vestibular membrane, which separates the [[scala media]] from the [[scala vestibuli]].
+The sulcus spiralis externus is situated on the outer wall of the cochlear duct, adjacent to the [[stria vascularis]]. It is part of the [[spiral ligament]], which supports the cochlear duct and helps maintain its shape. The sulcus spiralis externus is bordered by the [[spiral prominence]] and the [[outer sulcus cells]].
-The sulcus spiralis externus is filled with [[endolymph]], a fluid that plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. The movement of endolymph within the sulcus spiralis externus is what allows us to perceive sound.
+=== Function ===
-== Function ==
+The primary function of the sulcus spiralis externus is to provide structural support to the cochlear duct. It also plays a role in the distribution of [[endolymph]], the fluid within the cochlear duct, which is vital for the transduction of sound waves into electrical signals by the [[hair cells]] of the organ of Corti.
-The primary function of the sulcus spiralis externus is to facilitate the transmission of sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate. This vibration is then transmitted to the organ of Corti, which contains hair cells that convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then sent to the brain via the [[auditory nerve]], allowing us to perceive sound.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
-The sulcus spiralis externus also plays a role in maintaining the balance of endolymph within the cochlea. This is important for maintaining the proper functioning of the auditory system.
+Abnormalities or damage to the sulcus spiralis externus can affect the function of the cochlea and lead to [[hearing loss]]. Conditions such as [[Meniere's disease]] and [[cochlear otosclerosis]] may involve changes in the structure or function of the sulcus spiralis externus.
-== Clinical significance ==
+== Related Pages ==
-Abnormalities or damage to the sulcus spiralis externus can lead to hearing loss or balance disorders. For example, [[Meniere's disease]] is a condition that is caused by an excess of endolymph in the cochlea, which can lead to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
-== See also ==
 * [[Cochlea]]
-* [[Basilar membrane]]
-* [[Vestibular membrane]]
 * [[Organ of Corti]]
-* [[Scala media]]
+* [[Inner ear]]
-* [[Scala vestibuli]]
+* [[Hearing]]
-* [[Endolymph]]
-* [[Auditory nerve]]
-* [[Meniere's disease]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+[[Category:Anatomy of the ear]]
-[[Category:Hearing]]
-{{anatomy-stub}}