Helicotrema

(anatomy) The opening at the apex of the cochlea through which the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli communicate with each other.

An opening at the apex of the cochlea that connects the vestibular canal and the scala tympani.

The passage that connects the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli at the apex of the cochlea in the internal ear.

Helicotrema
The cochlea and vestibule, viewed from above.
Gray's	subject #232 1050

The helicotrema (from Greek ἕλιξ meaning coil and τρη̂μα 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 in this area best detect low frequency sounds.

External links

• Helicotrema at eMedicine Dictionary
• Histology at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
• Diagram at IUPUI

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v • d • e Sensory system: Auditory and Vestibular systems (TA A15.3, GA 10.1029) Auditory Outer ear Pinna (Helix, Antihelix, Tragus, Antitragus, Earlobe) • Ear canal Middle ear Eardrum (Umbo) • Ossicles (Malleus, Incus & Stapes) • muscles (Stapedius, Tensor tympani) • Eustachian tube (Torus tubarius) Inner ear/Labyrinth Vestibule • Membranous labyrinth Oval window → Scala vestibuli / Reissner's/vestibular membrane, Helicotrema and Scala tympani / Basilar membrane (Perilymph) → Round window Cochlea: Modiolus • Cochlear duct / scala media (Endolymph, Stria vascularis, Spiral ligament), Olivocochlear system Organ of Corti: Stereocilia • Tectorial membrane • Sulcus spiralis (externus, internus) • Limbus spiralis To brain Hair cells → Spiral ganglion → Cochlear nerve VIII → Cochlear nuclei → Trapezoid body → Superior olivary nuclei → Lateral lemniscus → Inferior colliculi → Medial geniculate nuclei → Acoustic radiation → Primary auditory cortex Vestibular Inner ear/Labyrinth Static/translations: Utricle (Macula) · Saccule (Macula, Endolymphatic sac, Endolymphatic duct) · Kinocilium · Otolith Kinetic/rotations: Semicircular canals (Superior, Posterior, Horizontal) • Cupula • Ampullae (Crista ampullaris) To brain Vestibular nerve VIII → Vestibular nuclei, Flocculonodular lobe Vestibular nuclei → Vestibulospinal tract, Ventral posterolateral nucleus → Vestibular cortex ear navs: anat/physio/dev, noncongen/congen, eponymous signs, proc

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