The cochlear tectorial membrane is a gelatinous, collagen-rich flap that projects from the spiral limbus and lies over the organ of Corti. The tallest stereocilia of the outer hair cells are embedded in its underside. It is unrelated to the tectorial membrane of the upper cervical spine.
| Location | Within the cochlear duct, overlying the organ of Corti |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | None |
| Blood Supply | None (acellular) |
Provides the surface against which hair cell stereocilia are deflected, turning basilar membrane motion into hair cell stimulation.
Shearing movement between the tectorial membrane and the reticular lamina bends hair cell stereocilia, the key mechanical step in hearing. Mutations in tectorial membrane proteins such as alpha-tectorin cause inherited non-syndromic hearing loss. Detachment of the membrane has been described after intense noise exposure.
Inherited hearing loss from mutations in the gene for alpha-tectorin, a structural protein of the tectorial membrane, often affecting mid frequencies.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
