The scala tympani is the lower perilymph-filled channel of the cochlea. It runs from the helicotrema back down to the round window. Its roof is the basilar membrane and osseous spiral lamina, on which the organ of Corti rests.
| Location | Lower channel of the cochlea, below the basilar membrane |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | None directly; lies close to the spiral ganglion |
| Blood Supply | Cochlear branches of the labyrinthine artery |
Returns pressure waves to the round window so the cochlear fluids can move and the basilar membrane can vibrate.
The scala tympani is the standard home for cochlear implant electrode arrays, placed through the round window or a small cochleostomy. It connects to the subarachnoid space through the cochlear aqueduct, a possible route for infection between the inner ear and meninges.
Bacterial meningitis can spread through the cochlear aqueduct and lead to new bone forming in the scala tympani, which complicates cochlear implantation.
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