Inner Ear Flashcards
1
Q
List the main structures of the inner ear.
A
- Osseous (bony) labyrinth
- Membranous labyrinth
- Vestibule
- Semicircular Canals
- Cochlea
2
Q
Describe the osseous labyrinth.
A
- Bony cavity of the inner ear
3
Q
Describe the membranous labyrinth.
A
- Membranous sacs and ducts housed within the bony labyrinth
- Holds the receptor organs of hearing and vestibular sense
4
Q
What is the Vestibule of the inner ear?
A
- Entryway
- Space between semicircular canals and cochlea
5
Q
What is the function of the vestibule?
A
- Works to keep the body vertically oriented with respect to gravity and linear acceleration
6
Q
List the structures of the Vestibule.
A
- Saccule
- Utricle
- Macula
7
Q
Where is the saccule?
A
- Adjacent to the cochlea
8
Q
Where is the Utricle?
A
- Adjacent to the semicircular canals
9
Q
Where is the Macula?
A
- Structure housed within both the saccule and utricle
10
Q
List the structures of the macula.
A
- Supporting membrane
- Otolithic membrane
- Otoconia or otoliths
- Sensory hair cells
- Kinocilium
11
Q
What is the otolithic membrane?
A
- Gelatinous portion overlaying the stereocilia of the hair cells
12
Q
Location and function of the otoconia or otoliths?
A
- Located in the otolithic membrane
- Provide mass to the membrane and make it responsive to gravity
