MEMBRANA TECTORIA Meaning and
Definition
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Membrana tectoria, also known as the tectorial membrane, is a specialized connective tissue structure found in the vertebrate inner ear. It is located within the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure responsible for hearing, and plays a crucial role in the transmission of sound signals to the sensory cells.
The membrana tectoria is composed of a dense collagenous matrix that covers the organ of Corti, which is the auditory receptor within the cochlea. It stretches from the outer edge of the spiral lamina to the inner wall of the cochlear duct, running parallel to the basilar membrane. This arrangement allows for interaction with the hair cells, the sensory cells responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.
The primary function of the membrana tectoria is to amplify and direct sound waves as they travel through the cochlea. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the hair cells, which bend and initiate the release of neurotransmitters, ultimately leading to the transmission of auditory signals to the brain. The membrana tectoria assists in this process by increasing the movement of the hair cells and providing mechanical support.
Additionally, the membrana tectoria helps maintain the spatial organization within the cochlea by preventing the hair cells from touching the overlying structures. This separation is critical for the accurate encoding of different frequencies and pitch discrimination.
In summary, the membrana tectoria is a connective tissue structure located within the cochlea of the inner ear. It functions to amplify and direct sound waves, facilitate the movement of hair cells, and maintain the spatial organization of the cochlea for efficient sound perception.
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Tectorial (roof) membrane, posterior occipitoaxial ligament, the upward continuation of the posterior common, or longitudinal, ligament of the spine, attached to the basilar groove on the upper surface of the basilar portion of the occipital bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEMBRANA TECTORIA
- membranatectoaria
- membranatectoreia
- membranatectworia
- membranatectooria
- m embrana tectoria
- me mbrana tectoria
- mem brana tectoria
- memb rana tectoria
- membr ana tectoria
- membra na tectoria
- membran a tectoria
- membrana t ectoria
- membrana te ctoria
- membrana tec toria
- membrana tect oria
- membrana tecto ria
- membrana tector ia
- membrana tectori a
Etymology of MEMBRANA TECTORIA
The word membrana tectoria is a Latin term.
- Membrana comes from the Latin word membrum, which means membrane or thin layer.
- Tectoria is the feminine form of the Latin word tectorius, which means covering or protecting.
Therefore, membrana tectoria can be translated as covering membrane or protective membrane.
