Perilymph
Perilymph
Perilymph (/pɛrɪlɪmf/) is a fluid located within the inner ear of many vertebrates, including humans. It is an extracellular fluid that plays a crucial role in the function of the cochlea and the vestibular system.
Etymology
The term "perilymph" is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around or surrounding, and "lymph," referring to a clear fluid. It was first used in the medical field in the 19th century.
Function
Perilymph fills the space within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear, surrounding and protecting the membranous labyrinth. It aids in the transmission of sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear, and also helps to maintain the balance of ions necessary for the generation of nerve impulses.
Composition
Perilymph is similar in composition to cerebrospinal fluid and plasma, containing high concentrations of sodium and chloride ions, and lower concentrations of potassium. This composition is crucial for the proper functioning of the inner ear.
Related Terms
- Endolymph: The fluid contained within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear.
- Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that is responsible for hearing.
- Vestibular system: The system in the inner ear that is responsible for balance and spatial orientation.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Perilymph
- Wikipedia's article - Perilymph
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski