modiolus

ear

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June 30, 2026

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The modiolus is a hollow central pillar within the cochlea of the inner ear. The cochlea, which resembles a snail shell, is responsible for the sense of hearing. Within the modiolus are the cochlear artery and vein, and the fibers of the cochlear nerve, which transmits auditory information to the brain. The cochlea itself is a spiral tube coiled around this central pillar, containing the sensory organ of hearing, the organ of Corti.1

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human ear
Structure of the cochlea
…a hollow central pillar, the modiolus. It forms a cone approximately 9 mm (0.35 inch) in diameter at its base and 5 mm in height. When stretched out, the spiral tube is approximately 30 mm in length. It is widest—2 mm—at the point where the basal coil opens into the…
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…a hollow central pillar, the modiolus. It forms a cone approximately 9 mm (0.35 inch) in diameter at its base and 5 mm in height. When stretched out, the spiral tube is approximately 30 mm in length. It is widest—2 mm—at the point where the basal coil opens into the…
Read More