Helicotrema Explained

Helicotrema
System:	Auditory system
Function:	Connects perilymph of scala tympani and scala vestibuli
Part Of:	Cochlea

The helicotrema (from Greek, Modern (1453-);: ἕλιξ [helix] meaning coil and Greek, Modern (1453-);: τρη̂μα [trēma] meaning hole) is the part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet. It is the main component of the cochlear apex. The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.

Structure

The helicotrema is a part of the cochlear labyrinth where the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli meet.^{[1] [2]} It is the main component of the cochlear apex.

Function

The helicotrema connects the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli. This allows fluid to move between the two. It slightly impedes the travel of sound.^[3] The hair cells near this area best detect low frequency sounds.^[4]

Clinical significance

The hair cells near the helicotrema are at higher risk of acoustic trauma than those in most other parts of the cochlea.^[5] It is also important during ear surgery.^[6] When pressure is placed on the perilymph in the cochlea, it reduces pressure and prevents damage to the organ of Corti.

External links

• Histology at Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
• Diagram at IUPUI

Notes and References

1. Book: Felten. David L.. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978032326511900014X. Netter's Atlas of Neuroscience. O'Banion. M. Kerry. Maida. Mary Summo. Elsevier. 2016. 978-0-323-26511-9. 3rd. 353–389. en. 14 - Sensory Systems. 10.1016/B978-0-323-26511-9.00014-X.
2. Book: de Lahunta. Alexander. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780721667065000159. Veterinary Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology. Glass. Eric. Saunders. 2009. 978-0-7216-6706-5. 3rd. 433–440. en. 15 - Auditory System: Special Somatic Afferent System. 10.1016/B978-0-7216-6706-5.00015-9.
3. Rosowski. John J.. Bowers. Peter. Nakajima. Hideko H.. 2018-03-01. Limits on normal cochlear 'third' windows provided by previous investigations of additional sound paths into and out of the cat inner ear. Hearing Research. Computational models of the auditory system. en. 360. 3–13. 10.1016/j.heares.2017.11.003. 29169906 . 5834374 . 0378-5955. free.
4. Book: Behrbohm. Hans. Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases. Kaschke. Oliver. Nawka. Tadeus. Swift. Andrew. 2009. Thieme. 9783136712030. 3. New York. 15.
5. Book: Eggermont, Jos J.. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124159945000038. Noise and the Brain - Experience Dependent Developmental and Adult Plasticity. Academic Press. 2014. 978-0-12-415994-5. 49–83. en. 3 - Neural Substrates of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss. 10.1016/B978-0-12-415994-5.00003-8.
6. Book: Wiet. Richard J.. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781416046653000196. Otologic Surgery. Harvey. Steven A.. Littlefield. Philip D.. Saunders. 2010. 978-1-4160-4665-3. 3rd. 227–243. en. 19 - Complications of Surgery for Chronic Otitis Media. 10.1016/B978-1-4160-4665-3.00019-6.