Inner ear Flashcards
perilymph
fluid in the perilymphatic space of the inner ear, produced by filtration, thus its composition is the same as that of other extracellular fluids
endolymph
fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, produced by secretion, characterised by high K+ levels
hair cell
secondary sensory cell in the inner ear
stereocilium
processes on the apical surface of the hair cells filled with actin filaments and bearing mechanosensitive K+ channels during bending of the cilia
kinocilium
long process on the apical surface of the hair cells showing cilium structure in cross sections
tip link
protein structure connection the tips of the stereo cilia; important for the deformation of the membrane and thus for the opening of the K+ channels during bending of the stereo cilia
organ of corti
the organ of hearing in the inner ear
fenestra rotunda
membrane covered opening between the cochlea and the middle ear, it lets the perilymph move when the stapes pushes the membrane at the fenestra ovale
fenestra ovale
membrane covered opening between the cochlea and the middle ear, stapes transmits movement of the tympanic membrane to the perilymph through this opening