|
|
| The Bony Labyrinth |
The bony labyrinth is located within the inner ear and contains the membranous labyrinth, or functional sensory epithelium.
Parts of the bony labyrinth include the vestibule, semicircular canals, cochlea, vestibular aqueduct, and medial cochlear aqueduct. |
| |
| Cochlea |
 The cochlea is a bony spiral of 2 ¾ turns. It houses the perilymph fluid-containing scala vestibuli (ascending spiral) and scala tympani (descending spiral), as well as the central scala media (cochlear duct). It is responsible for converting mechanical energy, via sound waves and the ossicles, into electrical energy to be sent to the brain via the cochlear nerve. |
 Vibrations of the stapes on the oval window are transmitted through the vestibule to the scala vestibuli (ascending spiral) of the cochlea, via the vestibule’s cochlear recess. |
 Sound waves travel up the scala vestibuli, back down the scala tympani, and out through the round window. |
 The round window |
 Along the way, sound waves are transmitted to the endolymph of the cochlear duct, stimulating the hair cells of the organ of corti, which converts them to electrical energy transmitted to the cochlear nerve via the spiral ganglia. |
|
| |
| Back to Menu |
|
|
|
|
|
