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Scala vestibuli

Recommended video: Labyrinth [16:40]
Overview of the bony and membranous structures of the labyrinth.

The scala vestibuli is part of the spiral organ (of Corti).

The cochlear duct divides the cochlear canal into three compartments: the scala media, the scala vestibuli, and the scala tympani. The scala vestibuli is the uppermost of these three chambers.

The scala vestibuli and scala tympani are both perilymph-filled structures, while the scala media is filled with endolymph.
The scala vestibuli meets the scala tympani at the apex called the helicotrema. 

The function of the scala vestibuli is to transmit sound waves. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause a vibration of the tympanic membrane and, subsequently, the ossicles. The vibration causes a transfer of energy through the oval window, which causes the perilymph inside the scala vestibuli and scala tympani to move.

The floor of the scala vestibuli is the vestibular membrane (Reissner's membrane), which transmits these movements to the cochlear duct. This results in vibrations of the basilar membrane, which activates the sensory hearing cells in the spiral organ (of Corti).

Terminology  Latin: scala vestibuli
English: scala vestibuli

Synonym: vestibular duct 
Function  Transmission of sound waves
Location Above scala media in spiral organ (of Corti)

Learn more about the scala typmani in this study unit and article: 

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