title: Numerical simulation of the role of the utriculo-endolymphatic valve in the rotation-sensing capabilities of semicircular canals.
abstract: The utriculo-endolymphatic valve (UEV) has an uncertain function, but its opening and closure have been predicted to maintain a constant endolymphatic pressure within the semicircular canals (SCCs) and the utricle of the inner ear. Here, the study׳s aim was to examine the role of the UEV in regulating the capabilities of the 3 SCCs in sensing angular acceleration by using the finite element method. The results of the developed model showed endolymphatic flow and cupula displacement patterns in good agreement with previous experiments. Moreover, the open valve was predicted to permit endolymph exchange between the 2 parts of the membranous labyrinth during head rotation and, in comparison to the closed valve, to result in a reinforced endolymph flow in the utricle and an enhanced or weakened cupula deflection. Further, the model predicted an increase in the size of the orifice would result in greater endolymph exchange and thereby to a greater impact on cupula deflection. The model findings suggest the UEV plays a crucial role in the preservation of inner ear sensory function.
authors.affiliation: Transformative Otology and Neuroscience Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China. Electronic address: shenshuangdlut@163.com.
authors.forename: Shuang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shen
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China.
authors.forename: Xiuzhen
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China. Electronic address: yushen@dlut.edu.cn.
authors.forename: Shen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Yingxi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116027, China.
authors.forename: Yingfeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: School of Information and Communication Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
authors.forename: Wenlong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D004710:Endolymph / Q000502:physiology*; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006257:Head / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011312:Pressure; D012399:Rotation; D012444:Saccule and Utricle / Q000502:physiology*; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Finite element; Fluid structural interaction; Semicircular canal; The utriculo-endolymphatic valve