Reissner's membrane
You don't need to be Editor-In-Chief to add or edit content to WikiDoc. You can begin to add to or edit text on this WikiDoc page by clicking on the edit button at the top of this page. Next enter or edit the information that you would like to appear here. Once you are done editing, scroll down and click the Save page button at the bottom of the page.
| Reissner's membrane | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Diagrammatic longitudinal section of the cochlea. (label is 'vestibular membrane') | |
| Cross section of the cochlea. | |
| Latin | paries vestibularis ductus cochlearis |
| Gray's | subject #232 1054 |
| Dorlands/Elsevier | p_06/12615626 |
Reissner's membrane (vestibular membrane, vestibular wall) is a membrane inside the cochlea of the inner ear. It separates scala media from scala vestibuli. Together with the basilar membrane it creates a compartment in the cochlea filled with endolymph, which is important for the function of the organ of Corti. It primarily functions as a diffusion barrier, allowing nutrients to travel from the perilymph to the endolymph of the membranous labyrinth.
Histologically, the membrane is composed of two layers of flattened epithelium, separated by a basal lamina. Its structure suggests that its function is transport of fluid and electrolytes.
Reissner's membrane is named after German anatomist Ernst Reissner (1824-1878).
Additional images
 Transverse section of the cochlear duct of a fetal cat. |
 Floor of ductus cochlearis. |
 Limbus laminæ spiralis and membrana basilaris. |
External links
- vestibular+membrane at eMedicine Dictionary
- Histology at KUMC eye_ear-ear03
- UIUC Histology Subject 76
- Powerpoint at University of Toronto
- Overview at University of Wisconsin-Madison
- description at University of Texas
- Image at University of New England, Maine
