Helicotrema
{{Short description|Connection between the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli in the cochlea}}
{{Infobox anatomy
| Name = Helicotrema
| Latin =
| Image = Gray923.png
| Caption = The cochlea and vestibule, viewed from above.
| Image2 =
| Caption2 =
| System =Auditory system
|Function=Connects perilymph of scala tympani and scala vestibuli|Part_of=Cochlea}}
The helicotrema (from {{langx|el|ἕλιξ}} [helix] meaning coil and {{lang|el|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.
Structure
The helicotrema is a part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet.{{Cite book|last1=Felten|first1=David L.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978032326511900014X|title=Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience|last2=O'Banion|first2=M. Kerry|last3=Maida|first3=Mary Summo|publisher=Elsevier|year=2016|isbn=978-0-323-26511-9|edition=3rd|pages=353–389|language=en|chapter=14 - Sensory Systems|doi=10.1016/B978-0-323-26511-9.00014-X}}{{Cite book|last1=de Lahunta|first1=Alexander|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780721667065000159|title=Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology|last2=Glass|first2=Eric|publisher=Saunders|year=2009|isbn=978-0-7216-6706-5|edition=3rd|pages=433–440|language=en|chapter=15 - Auditory System: Special Somatic Afferent System|doi=10.1016/B978-0-7216-6706-5.00015-9}} It is the main component of the cochlear apex.
Function
The helicotrema connects the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli. This allows fluid to move between the two. It slightly impedes the travel of sound.{{Cite journal|last1=Rosowski|first1=John J.|last2=Bowers|first2=Peter|last3=Nakajima|first3=Hideko H.|date=2018-03-01|title=Limits on normal cochlear 'third' windows provided by previous investigations of additional sound paths into and out of the cat inner ear|journal=Hearing Research|series=Computational models of the auditory system|language=en|volume=360|pages=3–13|doi=10.1016/j.heares.2017.11.003|pmid=29169906 |pmc=5834374 |issn=0378-5955|doi-access=free}} The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.{{cite book|last1=Behrbohm|first1=Hans|title=Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases|last2=Kaschke|first2=Oliver|last3=Nawka|first3=Tadeus|last4=Swift|first4=Andrew|date=2009|publisher=Thieme|isbn=9783136712030|edition=3|location=New York|page=15}}
Clinical significance
The hair cells near the helicotrema are at higher risk of acoustic trauma than those in most other parts of the cochlea.{{Cite book|last=Eggermont|first=Jos J.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124159945000038|title=Noise and the Brain - Experience Dependent Developmental and Adult Plasticity|publisher=Academic Press|year=2014|isbn=978-0-12-415994-5|pages=49–83|language=en|chapter=3 - Neural Substrates of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss|doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-415994-5.00003-8}} It is also important during ear surgery.{{Cite book|last1=Wiet|first1=Richard J.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781416046653000196|title=Otologic Surgery|last2=Harvey|first2=Steven A.|last3=Littlefield|first3=Philip D.|publisher=Saunders|year=2010|isbn=978-1-4160-4665-3|edition=3rd|pages=227–243|language=en|chapter=19 - Complications of Surgery for Chronic Otitis Media|doi=10.1016/B978-1-4160-4665-3.00019-6}} When pressure is placed on the perilymph in the cochlea, it reduces pressure and prevents damage to the organ of Corti.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220614/http://neurobio.mcphu.edu/Education/IFM/Microanatomy/RareSlides/labEar/LEar_slide49helicotrema.html Histology] at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070308152300/http://anatomy.iupui.edu/courses/histo_D502/D502f04/lecture.f04/Earf04/cochlea.jpg Diagram] at IUPUI
{{Auditory system}}
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