Stria vascularis
Encyclopedia
The upper portion of the spiral ligament
contains numerous capillary
loops and small blood vessels, and is termed the stria vascularis. It produces endolymph
for the scala media
, one of the three fluid-filled compartments of the cochlea
. The stria is a somewhat stratified epithelium containing primarily three cell types (marginal, intermediate, and basal cells) and intraepithelial capillaries. The stria vascularis also contains pericyte
, melanocyte
, and endothelial cells.
It is the only epithelial tissue that is not avascular(i.e. completely lacking blood and lymphatic vessels).
Spiral ligament
The periosteum, forming the outer wall of the ductus cochlearis, is greatly thickened and altered in character, and is called the spiral ligament.-External links:* * at IUPUI...
contains numerous capillary
Capillary
Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are parts of the microcirculation. They are only 1 cell thick. These microvessels, measuring 5-10 μm in diameter, connect arterioles and venules, and enable the exchange of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and many other nutrient and waste...
loops and small blood vessels, and is termed the stria vascularis. It produces endolymph
Endolymph
Endolymph is the fluid contained in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. It is also called Scarpa's fluid, after Antonio Scarpa.-Composition:...
for the scala media
Scala media
The cochlear duct is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea, located in between the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli, separated by the basilar membrane and Reissner's membrane respectively....
, one of the three fluid-filled compartments of the cochlea
Cochlea
The cochlea is the auditory portion of the inner ear. It is a spiral-shaped cavity in the bony labyrinth, making 2.5 turns around its axis, the modiolus....
. The stria is a somewhat stratified epithelium containing primarily three cell types (marginal, intermediate, and basal cells) and intraepithelial capillaries. The stria vascularis also contains pericyte
Pericyte
A pericyte is a type of cell found in the central nervous system. These cells play an integral role in the maintenance of the blood brain barrier as well as several other homeostatic and hemostatic functions of the brain. Pericytes are also a key component of the neurovascular unit, which also...
, melanocyte
Melanocyte
-External links: - "Eye: fovea, RPE" - "Integument: pigmented skin"...
, and endothelial cells.
It is the only epithelial tissue that is not avascular(i.e. completely lacking blood and lymphatic vessels).
External links
- Image at University of New England, MaineUniversity of New England, MaineThe University of New England is an independent, coeducational university with two campuses in Maine: the main campus in Biddeford and another in Portland.- History :...
- Diagram at IUPUI
