The cochlear duct is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea, located between the tympanic duct and the vestibular duct, separated by the basilar membrane and the vestibular membrane respectively. The cochlear duct houses the organ of Corti.
Structure
The cochlear duct is part of the cochlea. It is separated from the tympanic duct (scala tympani) by the basilar membrane. It is separated from the vestibular duct (scala vestibuli) by the vestibular membrane (Reissner's membrane). It grows slightly flattened between the middle and outside of the body. == Function ==
Function
The cochlear duct contains the organ of Corti. This is attached to the basilar membrane. It also contains endolymph, which contains high concentrations of K+ for the function of inner hair cells and outer hair cells in the organ of Corti. == Clinical significance ==
Clinical significance
Drugs delivered directly to the tympanic duct will spread to all of the cochlea except for the cochlear duct. Rarely, the cochlear duct may develop to have the wrong shape. == Additional images ==
Additional images
File:Gray903.png|Transverse section of the cochlear duct of a fetal cat. File:Gray924.png|The membranous labyrinth. File:Gray929.png|Floor of ductus cochlearis. File:Cochlea-crosssection.svg|Cross section of the cochlea. == References ==