Katana VentraIP

Endolymph

Endolymph is the fluid contained in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The major cation in endolymph is potassium, with the values of sodium and potassium concentration in the endolymph being 0.91 mM and 154 mM, respectively.[1] It is also called Scarpa's fluid, after Antonio Scarpa.[2]

Endolymph

endolympha

D004710

A15.3.03.061

6997

61112

Hearing: : fluid waves in the endolymph of the cochlear duct stimulate the receptor cells, which in turn translate their movement into nerve impulses that the brain perceives as sound.

Cochlear duct

Balance: : angular acceleration of the endolymph in the semicircular canals stimulate the vestibular receptors of the endolymph. The semicircular canals of both inner ears act in concert to coordinate balance.

Semicircular canals

Clinical significance[edit]

Disruption of the endolymph due to jerky movements (like spinning around or driving over bumps while riding in a car) can cause motion sickness.[4] A condition where the volume of the endolymph is greatly enlarged is called endolymphatic hydrops and has been linked to Ménière's disease.[5]

Inner ear illustration showing semicircular canal, hair cells, ampulla, cupula, vestibular nerve, & fluid

Inner ear illustration showing semicircular canal, hair cells, ampulla, cupula, vestibular nerve, & fluid

Dark cell

Perilymph

Stria vascularis

Organ of Corti

Ménière's disease

Longitudinal Flow of Endolymph at wustl.edu

https://web.archive.org/web/20051030092447/http://oto.wustl.edu/cochlea/res1.htm