The cochlear duct, or scala media, is the triangular, endolymph-filled middle channel of the cochlea and part of the membranous labyrinth. Its roof is the vestibular membrane, its floor is the basilar membrane and its outer wall is the stria vascularis. It contains the organ of Corti and ends blindly at the apex.
| Location | Between the scala vestibuli and scala tympani throughout the cochlea |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Cochlear nerve fibres to the organ of Corti |
| Blood Supply | Cochlear branches of the labyrinthine artery |
Houses the organ of Corti and holds the specialised endolymph needed for converting sound into nerve signals.
The endolymph in the cochlear duct is high in potassium and held at about plus 80 mV, which powers hair cell responses. Swelling of the duct in endolymphatic hydrops causes the low-frequency hearing loss of Meniere disease. It connects to the saccule through the small ductus reuniens.
Distension of the cochlear duct from excess endolymph, causing fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus and fullness.
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