The modiolus is the cone-shaped central bony pillar around which the cochlea coils. It is porous, carrying the fibres of the cochlear nerve and blood vessels. The spiral ganglion lies in the spiral canal at its edge, and the osseous spiral lamina projects from it like the thread of a screw.
| Location | Central axis of the cochlea, with its base at the internal acoustic meatus |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Cochlear nerve fibres and spiral ganglion |
| Blood Supply | Spiral modiolar artery (from the labyrinthine artery) |
Forms the core of the cochlea, supports the osseous spiral lamina and carries the auditory nerve fibres from the organ of Corti.
The modiolus is an important landmark for cochlear implant electrode position: perimodiolar electrodes sit closer to the spiral ganglion. Malformations of the modiolus are seen in some congenital inner ear anomalies, such as incomplete partition, and can predispose to cerebrospinal fluid gusher during implant surgery.
Congenital underdevelopment of the modiolus and cochlear partitions, causing hearing loss and sometimes recurrent meningitis.
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