Stria vascularis

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Stria Vascularis

Stria Vascularis (pronounced: /ˈstraɪə vaskjʊˈlɛərɪs/) is a part of the cochlea in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the production of endolymph and the regulation of its ionic composition. The term "stria vascularis" is derived from the Latin words "stria" meaning "stripe" and "vascularis" meaning "pertaining to vessels".

Structure

The stria vascularis is a highly vascularized structure located on the outer wall of the cochlear duct. It is composed of three main cell types: marginal cells, intermediate cells, and basal cells. The marginal cells are in contact with the endolymph and are responsible for its production. The intermediate cells and basal cells are involved in the regulation of the ionic composition of the endolymph.

Function

The primary function of the stria vascularis is to produce endolymph, a fluid that fills the scala media of the cochlea. This fluid is crucial for the transduction of sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The stria vascularis also maintains the high potassium concentration in the endolymph, which is essential for the proper functioning of the hair cells in the cochlea.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the stria vascularis can lead to various hearing disorders. For instance, a decrease in the function of the stria vascularis can result in sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss that occurs due to problems in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Moreover, mutations in genes that affect the function of the stria vascularis can cause Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by kidney disease, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.

Related Terms

External links

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