The word "perilymph" is a medical term referring to the fluid that surrounds the inner ear. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /pɛrɪlɪmf/. The first syllable, "per", is pronounced with the short "e" sound, followed by a stressed second syllable pronounced with the long "i" sound. The final syllable, "ymph", is pronounced using the same "i" sound and a soft "f" sound. Remembering the IPA transcription can help ensure correct spelling and pronunciation of this term.
Perilymph is a fluid-filled substance that plays a crucial role in the function of the auditory and vestibular systems within the ear. It is a clear, watery fluid that fills the space between the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The bony labyrinth is the hard, protective structure that surrounds the membranous labyrinth, which contains the sensory receptors for hearing and balance.
The perilymph serves several important functions. It helps maintain the overall shape and structure of the inner ear, protecting delicate structures from injury. It also helps transmit sound vibrations from the middle ear to the sensory receptors of the inner ear, allowing us to perceive and interpret different frequencies and pitches of sound. In addition, perilymph aids in the maintenance of normal pressure within the inner ear and assists in the transportation of nutrients to the cells of the sensory receptors.
The composition of perilymph is similar to that of cerebrospinal fluid, containing high levels of sodium and low levels of potassium. This composition is essential for the proper functioning of the sensory receptors within the cochlea and the vestibular system. Any disruption or imbalance in the perilymph can lead to various auditory and vestibular disorders, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems.
In summary, perilymph is a fluid that fills the space between the bony and membranous labyrinths of the inner ear. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of the ear, transmitting sound vibrations, and supporting normal auditory and vestibular function.
The limpid fluid secreted by the serous membrane which lines the osseous labyrinth of the ear.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "perilymph" comes from the Ancient Greek roots "peri-" meaning "around" and "lympha" meaning "water" or "liquid". The term was coined in the mid-19th century by the German physiologist Ernst Heinrich Weber to describe the fluid-filled space surrounding the membranous labyrinth in the inner ear.