The term "ligamentum spirale cochleae" describes a small ligament located in the inner ear that helps to support the delicate cochlear spiral. Its correct pronunciation can be difficult due to the complex spelling, but this can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The word begins with the "l" sound, followed by the "ih" sound, while the next syllable starts with a rolled "r" and ends with the "ae" sound. The final syllable contains the "s" and "p" sounds, along with the "ih" and "ey" sounds. The word's IPA transcription is /lɪˈɡæməntəm ˈspaɪrəli kɒkliːi/.
The ligamentum spirale cochleae is a term used in anatomy to refer to a specific structure located within the inner ear, specifically within the cochlea. The cochlea is a snail-shaped, spiral structure responsible for hearing in humans and many other mammals.
The ligamentum spirale cochleae is a thin and delicate ligamentous structure that runs along the cochlea, parallel to its spiral shape. It is composed of fibrous connective tissue and is situated between two of the main compartments of the cochlea: the scala tympani and the scala media. The scala media is the central compartment of the cochlea and contains the organ of Corti, which houses the sensory hair cells responsible for detecting sound vibrations.
The ligamentum spirale cochleae has several important functions within the cochlea. Firstly, it helps to maintain the structural integrity and stability of the cochlea. It provides support to the delicate structures within the scala media and helps to prevent damage or displacement of these structures during movements or vibrations.
Additionally, the ligamentum spirale cochleae is involved in regulating the movement of the basilar membrane, which is a crucial component of the cochlear hearing mechanism. As sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate, stimulating the sensory hair cells and initiating the hearing process. The ligamentum spirale cochleae helps to control the movement and response of the basilar membrane, enhancing its sensitivity to specific sound frequencies.
In summary, the ligamentum spirale cochleae is a thin ligamentous structure located within the cochlea that serves to maintain its structural integrity and assist in the regulation of sound detection and perception.
Spiral ligament of the cochlea, the thickened periosteal lining of the bony cochlea, forming the outer wall of the ductus cochlearis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.