The relationship of the round window membrane to the cochlear aqueduct shown in three-dimensional imaging.
The round window membrane and cochlear aqueduct complex in the guinea pig are reconstructed with 3D-imaging, using orthogonal plane fluorescence optical sectioning (OPFOS). The 3D-images show that the periotic duct and the aqueduct are connected to a pouch-like extension of the round window. The function of this may be regulation of aqueduct flow resistance under the influence of a pressure difference between inner ear fluid and middle ear.
Hofman
R
R
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. r.hofman@azg.kno.nl
Segenhout
J M
JM
Albers
F W J
FW
Wit
H P
HP
D000818:Animals; D003052:Cochlear Aqueduct / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000033:anatomy & histology*