Membranous Labyrinth

The Membranous Labyrinth is a system of cavities and canals of the inner ear, lined with epithelium and filled with endolymph. It is located inside the bony labyrinth, repeating its shape, and consists of the cochlea, the vestibule and three semicircular canals.

The membranous labyrinth plays an important role in the perception of sounds and maintaining balance. The cochlea converts vibrations of sound waves into nerve impulses that are perceived by the auditory nerve. The semicircular canals respond to head movements and changes in body position in space by sending signals to the brain through the vestibular nerve. Thus, the membranous labyrinth provides the sensory organs with information necessary for hearing and maintaining balance.

The labyrinth of the membranous ear is a complex organ that plays an important role in the functioning of the body as a whole. Located in the bony labyrinth of the temporal bone and filled with endolymph, it is a collection of membranous canals and folds that connect with each other, as well as with the bone structures of the inner ear. In this article we will look at the functions of the membranous labyrinth, its anatomical structure, diseases associated with it, and methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Functions The function of the membranous labyrinth is the formation and regulation of sound. Sound travels through the air through the propagation of mechanical waves and can be converted into electrical signals perceived by auditory receptors, which then transmit information to the central nervous system for interpretation and further analysis.

Anatomical structure The membranous labyrinth consists of several membranes: first there is the outer one, formed by the epithelial membrane, then there are two layers of walls - perilymphatic and endolymphatic. Inside each shell are channels and channels that form a labyrinth. The labyrinthine canals are located in different layers and their arrangement varies depending on size and shape, allowing flexibility and adaptability. Labyrinths are a complex system of tubes, folds and partitions that create acoustic and mechanical interactions inside the ear, which is necessary for adequate perception and understanding of sound.

Diseases associated with the membranous labyrinth Some pathologies can affect the functioning of the labyrinths and lead to hearing problems. One of these pathologies is lateral semicircular neuritis - a dysfunction of the semicircular canal located in the lateral labyrinth. The lateral semicircular canal, in turn, has three parts: the anterior, middle and posterior semicircular canals. The most common cause of inaudibility in patients with lateral semicircular neuritis is damage to one of the three sections of the semicircular canal, especially the posterior semicircular canal. These lesions most often occur due to the consequences of bacterial infections or a rheumatic process. Symptoms of lateral semicircular neuritis include persistent unsteadiness when walking, weakness, and confusion. Treatment includes taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and courses of physical therapy aimed at restoring the damaged area of ​​the labyrinth.

To visualize and assess the structure and functional state of the labyrinth, MRI or CT is important. Standard radiography may not provide complete information and may not show changes associated with diseases.