Cochlear aqueduct

Cochlear Aqueduct

The Cochlear Aqueduct (also known as the Aqueduct of the Cochlea) is a small canal in the human ear, specifically in the petrous part of the temporal bone. It is one of the two aqueducts found in the inner ear, the other being the vestibular aqueduct.

Etymology

The term "Cochlear Aqueduct" is derived from the Latin word "cochlea", meaning "snail", due to the spiral shape of the cochlea, and "aqueduct", which is a conduit for carrying water.

Anatomy

The Cochlear Aqueduct begins at the base of the cochlea, near the round window, and extends to the subarachnoid space near the cerebellum. It is a narrow, bony channel, approximately 1.5 mm in diameter and 5 mm in length. The aqueduct is filled with perilymph, a fluid that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the inner ear.

Function

The primary function of the Cochlear Aqueduct is to allow the exchange of perilymph between the cochlea and the subarachnoid space. This exchange helps to maintain the pressure and volume of the perilymph within the cochlea, which is essential for the proper functioning of the auditory system.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the Cochlear Aqueduct, such as blockage or enlargement, can lead to hearing disorders. For example, an enlarged Cochlear Aqueduct can cause perilymphatic fistula, a condition characterized by the leakage of perilymph from the inner ear to the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and dizziness.

See Also

• Inner ear
• Cochlea
• Perilymph
• Vestibular aqueduct

References

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