otic capsule

anatomy

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July 2, 2026

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The term "otic capsule" refers to the bony structure surrounding the inner ear. This capsule is part of the temporal bone and houses the delicate organs responsible for hearing and balance.12

The inner ear itself is a complex system containing the cochlea (for hearing) and the vestibular apparatus (for balance). The otic capsule's medial wall separates the middle ear from this inner labyrinth. In embryonic development, the otic capsule originates from a thickening of ectoderm that forms the otocyst, which then differentiates into the structures of the inner ear. The term "auditory capsule" is synonymous with "otic capsule".2134

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human ear
Middle-ear cavity
…a part of the bony otic capsule of the inner ear. It has two small openings, or fenestrae, one above the other. The upper one is the oval window, which is closed by the footplate of the stapes. The lower one is the round window, which is covered by a…
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…a part of the bony otic capsule of the inner ear. It has two small openings, or fenestrae, one above the other. The upper one is the oval window, which is closed by the footplate of the stapes. The lower one is the round window, which is covered by a…
Read More