membranous labyrinth
Quick Summary
The membranous labyrinth is a crucial component of the inner ear, housing the sensory structures responsible for hearing and balance. It is located within the bony labyrinth, which consists of the vestibule, semicircular canals, and cochlea. The membranous labyrinth itself contains corresponding structures: the utricle and saccule within the vestibule, semicircular ducts within the semicircular canals, and the cochlear duct within the cochlea.123
The vestibular system, vital for balance, includes the utricle and saccule (otolith organs) and the semicircular ducts. The otolith organs detect linear acceleration and the head's position relative to gravity using hair cells covered by an otolithic membrane embedded with calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia. The semicircular ducts, oriented in three planes, detect rotational movements. They contain cristae with hair cells that respond to the flow of endolymph fluid, signaling changes in head position.34562
The inner ear contains two fluids: perilymph, which fills the space between the bony and membranous labyrinths, and endolymph, which fills the membranous labyrinth. These fluids have different ionic compositions and do not mix, playing essential roles in sensory function.372
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
human earInner ear…one inside the other, the membranous labyrinth contained within the bony labyrinth. The bony labyrinth consists of a central chamber called the vestibule, the three semicircular canals, and the spirally coiled cochlea. Within each structure, and filling only a fraction of the available space, is a corresponding portion of the…
Read More…one inside the other, the membranous labyrinth contained within the bony labyrinth. The bony labyrinth consists of a central chamber called the vestibule, the three semicircular canals, and the spirally coiled cochlea. Within each structure, and filling only a fraction of the available space, is a corresponding portion of the…
Read More- human earSemicircular canals
…the other parts of the membranous labyrinth, they are filled with endolymph and surrounded by perilymph. The narrow endolymphatic duct passes from the utricle through the vestibular aqueduct into the cranial cavity, carrying excess endolymph to be absorbed by the endolymphatic sac.
Read More…the other parts of the membranous labyrinth, they are filled with endolymph and surrounded by perilymph. The narrow endolymphatic duct passes from the utricle through the vestibular aqueduct into the cranial cavity, carrying excess endolymph to be absorbed by the endolymphatic sac.
Read More - human earEndolymph and perilymph
Because the membranous labyrinth is a closed system, the questions of flow and removal of the endolymph are also important. The endolymph is thought to be reabsorbed from the endolymphatic sac, although this appears to be only part of the story. Other cochlear and vestibular tissues may…
Read MoreBecause the membranous labyrinth is a closed system, the questions of flow and removal of the endolymph are also important. The endolymph is thought to be reabsorbed from the endolymphatic sac, although this appears to be only part of the story. Other cochlear and vestibular tissues may…
Read More