Cochlear cupula

Cochlear Cupula

Diagram of the cochlea showing the cochlear cupula.

The cochlear cupula is a structure located at the apex of the cochlea, which is part of the inner ear. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped organ responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The cochlear cupula is the terminal point of the cochlear duct and plays a role in the mechanics of hearing.

Anatomy

The cochlea is a coiled, bony, fluid-filled tube that is divided into three chambers: the scala vestibuli, the scala media, and the scala tympani. The cochlear cupula is situated at the apex of the cochlea, where the scala vestibuli and scala tympani meet. It is the point where the helicotrema, a small opening, allows the perilymph fluid to communicate between these two chambers.

The cochlear cupula is covered by the tectorial membrane, which is a gelatinous structure that overlies the organ of Corti. The organ of Corti contains the sensory hair cells that are responsible for detecting sound vibrations and converting them into electrical signals.

Function

The primary function of the cochlear cupula is to facilitate the movement of perilymph fluid within the cochlea. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted through the ossicles of the middle ear to the oval window, which in turn sets the perilymph fluid in motion.

The movement of the perilymph fluid causes the basilar membrane to vibrate, which stimulates the hair cells in the organ of Corti. The hair cells then convert these mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Clinical Significance

Disorders affecting the cochlear cupula or the surrounding structures can lead to hearing impairments. Conditions such as Meniere's disease, sensorineural hearing loss, and cochlear implants are related to the function and health of the cochlea.

Related Pages

• Cochlea
• Inner ear
• Organ of Corti
• Hearing
• Auditory system