The spelling of "limbus laminae spiralis" can be a bit tricky due to the use of Latin and medical terminology. However, using IPA phonetic transcription can make it easier to understand. "Limb-us," pronounced /'lɪm.bəs/, refers to the edge or border of a structure. "Laminae," pronounced /læ.mɪ.'neɪ/, refers to a thin layer or sheet-like structure. And "spiral-is," pronounced /'spaɪ.rəl.ɪs/, refers to a coiled or twisted shape. Altogether, the pronunciation of "limbus laminae spiralis" is /'lɪm.bəs læ.mɪ.'neɪ 'spaɪ.rəl.ɪs/.
The term "limbus laminae spiralis" refers to a specific anatomical structure found within the cochlea, which is the inner ear organ responsible for auditory perception in humans and other mammals.
The limbus laminae spiralis can be described as a thin, delicate, and highly intricate membranous structure located in the cochlea's spiral organ or the organ of Corti. It separates the scala tympani (a fluid-filled chamber within the cochlea) from the scala media (another fluid-filled chamber). The limbus laminae spiralis is responsible for several important functions within the cochlea.
Firstly, it helps to maintain the structural integrity and stability of the cochlea. It acts as a barrier, preventing the mixing of fluids between the scala tympani and scala media, which is essential for the proper transmission of sound waves and subsequent auditory signal processing.
Secondly, the limbus laminae spiralis serves as the attachment site for several specialized sensory cells known as hair cells. These hair cells are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be processed by the auditory nerve. The precise arrangement and organization of the hair cells on the limbus laminae spiralis contribute to the cochlea's remarkable sensitivity to different frequencies and levels of sound.
In summary, the limbus laminae spiralis is a vital component of the cochlea, playing a crucial role in maintaining cochlear function, promoting fluid separation, and housing the sensory hair cells responsible for auditory perception.
The border of the spiral lamina, the thickened periosteum covering the upper plate of the lamina spiralis ossea of the cochlea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.