The tympanic duct, also known as the scala tympani, is a crucial component of the inner ear involved in hearing. It's essentially a fluid-filled canal within the cochlea.
Understanding the Scala Tympani
- Location: According to the provided reference, the scala tympani is the most inferior canal within the cochlea, sitting beneath the scala media.
- Part of Spiral Organ: It is a part of the spiral organ (of Corti).
Cochlear Structure Overview
The cochlear duct divides the cochlear canal into three compartments:
- Scala Media (Cochlear Duct): The central duct containing the organ of Corti, responsible for hearing.
- Scala Vestibuli: A perilymph-filled cavity that conducts vibrations from the oval window.
- Scala Tympani (Tympanic Duct): A perilymph-filled cavity that receives vibrations from the scala vestibuli and transmits them to the round window.
Function
The scala tympani plays a vital role in the process of hearing. It allows the movement of fluid caused by sound vibrations to reach the round window. This movement dissipates the energy and prevents reverberation within the cochlea.
