Helicotrema

The helicotrema (from Greek: ἕλιξ [helix] meaning coil and τρη̂μα [trēma] meaning hole) is the part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet. It is the main component of the cochlear apex. The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.

Helicotrema
The cochlea and vestibule, viewed from above.
Details
Part ofCochlea
SystemAuditory system
FunctionConnects perilymph of scala tympani and scala vestibuli
Identifiers
TA98A15.3.03.044
TA26969
FMA61275
Anatomical terminology

Structure

The helicotrema is a part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet.[1][2] It is the main component of the cochlear apex.[2]

Function

The helicotrema connects the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli.[1][2] This allows fluid to move between the two.[1][2] It slightly impedes the travel of sound.[3] The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.[1][4]

Clinical significance

The hair cells near the helicotrema are at higher risk of acoustic trauma than those in most other parts of the cochlea.[5] It is also important during ear surgery.[6] When pressure is placed on the perilymph in the cochlea, it reduces pressure and prevents damage to the organ of Corti.[6]

References
  1. Felten, David L.; O'Banion, M. Kerry; Maida, Mary Summo (2016). "14 - Sensory Systems". Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience (3rd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 353–389. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-26511-9.00014-X. ISBN 978-0-323-26511-9.
  2. de Lahunta, Alexander; Glass, Eric (2009). "15 - Auditory System: Special Somatic Afferent System". Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology (3rd ed.). Saunders. pp. 433–440. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7216-6706-5.00015-9. ISBN 978-0-7216-6706-5.
  3. Rosowski, John J.; Bowers, Peter; Nakajima, Hideko H. (2018-03-01). "Limits on normal cochlear 'third' windows provided by previous investigations of additional sound paths into and out of the cat inner ear". Hearing Research. Computational models of the auditory system. 360: 3–13. doi:10.1016/j.heares.2017.11.003. ISSN 0378-5955. PMC 5834374. PMID 29169906.
  4. Behrbohm, Hans; Kaschke, Oliver; Nawka, Tadeus; Swift, Andrew (2009). Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases (3 ed.). New York: Thieme. p. 15. ISBN 9783136712030.
  5. Eggermont, Jos J. (2014). "3 - Neural Substrates of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss". Noise and the Brain - Experience Dependent Developmental and Adult Plasticity. Academic Press. pp. 49–83. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-415994-5.00003-8. ISBN 978-0-12-415994-5.
  6. Wiet, Richard J.; Harvey, Steven A.; Littlefield, Philip D. (2010). "19 - Complications of Surgery for Chronic Otitis Media". Otologic Surgery (3rd ed.). Saunders. pp. 227–243. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-4665-3.00019-6. ISBN 978-1-4160-4665-3.
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