The membranous labyrinth is a closed system of delicate, endolymph-filled sacs and ducts lying within the bony labyrinth. It includes the cochlear duct, utricle, saccule, three semicircular ducts and the endolymphatic duct and sac. Its sensory regions contain the hair cells for hearing and balance.
| Location | Within the bony labyrinth of the inner ear, surrounded by perilymph |
|---|---|
| Parts | |
| Nerve Supply | Cochlear and vestibular divisions of CN VIII |
| Blood Supply | Labyrinthine artery and its cochlear and vestibular branches |
Contains the sensory receptors for hearing and balance and keeps endolymph separate from perilymph.
Overfilling of the membranous labyrinth with endolymph (endolymphatic hydrops) is the pathological basis of Meniere disease. Damage to its sensory epithelium from noise, drugs, ageing or infection causes permanent hearing or balance loss because human hair cells do not regenerate. Its compartments are separated from perilymph, and mixing of the two fluids is toxic to hair cells.
Excess endolymph distends the membranous labyrinth, causing fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness and vertigo.
Recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting minutes to hours with low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness, associated with hydrops.
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