The helicotrema (from Greek: ἕλιξ [helix] meaning coil and τρη̂μα [trēma] meaning hole) is the part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet. It is the main component of the cochlear apex. The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.
| Helicotrema | |
|---|---|
 The cochlea and vestibule, viewed from above. | |
| Details | |
| Part of | Cochlea |
| System | Auditory system |
| Function | Connects perilymph of scala tympani and scala vestibuli |
| Identifiers | |
| TA98 | A15.3.03.044 |
| TA2 | 6969 |
| FMA | 61275 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Structure
editThe helicotrema is a part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet.[1][2] It is the main component of the cochlear apex.[2]
Function
editThe helicotrema connects the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli.[1][2] This allows fluid to move between the two.[1][2] It slightly impedes the travel of sound.[3] The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.[1][4]
Clinical significance
editThe hair cells near the helicotrema are at higher risk of acoustic trauma than those in most other parts of the cochlea.[5] It is also important during ear surgery.[6] When pressure is placed on the perilymph in the cochlea, it reduces pressure and prevents damage to the organ of Corti.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d Felten, David L.; O'Banion, M. Kerry; Maida, Mary Summo (2016). "14 - Sensory Systems". Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience (3rd ed.). Elsevier. pp. 353–389. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-26511-9.00014-X. ISBN 978-0-323-26511-9.
- ^ a b c d de Lahunta, Alexander; Glass, Eric (2009). "15 - Auditory System: Special Somatic Afferent System". Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology (3rd ed.). Saunders. pp. 433–440. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7216-6706-5.00015-9. ISBN 978-0-7216-6706-5.
- ^ Rosowski, John J.; Bowers, Peter; Nakajima, Hideko H. (2018-03-01). "Limits on normal cochlear 'third' windows provided by previous investigations of additional sound paths into and out of the cat inner ear". Hearing Research. Computational models of the auditory system. 360: 3–13. doi:10.1016/j.heares.2017.11.003. ISSN 0378-5955. PMC 5834374. PMID 29169906.
- ^ Behrbohm, Hans; Kaschke, Oliver; Nawka, Tadeus; Swift, Andrew (2009). Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases (3 ed.). New York: Thieme. p. 15. ISBN 9783136712030.
- ^ Eggermont, Jos J. (2014). "3 - Neural Substrates of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss". Noise and the Brain - Experience Dependent Developmental and Adult Plasticity. Academic Press. pp. 49–83. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-415994-5.00003-8. ISBN 978-0-12-415994-5.
- ^ a b Wiet, Richard J.; Harvey, Steven A.; Littlefield, Philip D. (2010). "19 - Complications of Surgery for Chronic Otitis Media". Otologic Surgery (3rd ed.). Saunders. pp. 227–243. doi:10.1016/B978-1-4160-4665-3.00019-6. ISBN 978-1-4160-4665-3.
