Vestibular aqueduct

Vestibular aqueduct is a bony canal that extends from the vestibule of the inner ear to the cranium, containing the endolymphatic duct, a part of the endolymphatic sac system. It is one of the two aqueducts of the vestibular system, the other being the cochlear aqueduct.

Etymology

The term "vestibular" is derived from the Latin word "vestibulum", which means entrance hall. The term "aqueduct" is derived from the Latin word "aqua", which means water, and "ductus", which means leading. Therefore, "vestibular aqueduct" can be interpreted as the water-leading entrance hall.

Anatomy

The vestibular aqueduct begins at the posterior part of the vestibule and runs backward and slightly upward to open in the posterior surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, near the sigmoid sinus. It transmits the endolymphatic duct and a small artery from the posterior cerebral artery.

Clinical significance

Enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct, also known as large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS), is a common congenital abnormality of the inner ear associated with sensorineural hearing loss. It is often bilateral and can be associated with other inner ear malformations.

See also

• Inner ear
• Vestibule (ear)
• Endolymphatic sac
• Aqueduct of the vestibule
• Cochlear aqueduct
• Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome

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