Aspects on endolymphatic sac morphology and function. 1976

P G Lundquist

Morphological evidence indicate that the main function of the endolymphatic sac is to act as a reabsorptive and defensive mechanism for the inner ear. This activity is markedly enhanced in labyrinthine trauma, such as injection of foreign particles into the labyrinth, blocking of the endolymphatic duct, and cryosurgical destruction of vestibular sensory epithelia. Light and dark epithelial cells of the intermediate portion of the sac are capable of reabsorbing endolymph and digesting cellular debris respectively. The extensive capillary network surrounding the endolymphatic sac exhibits endothelial characteristics suggestive of active fluid transport. The "dynamic-flow theory" of endolymph circulation suggests that a radial-flow should be considered for energy metabolism and ion exchange around the sensory cell regions whereas a longitudinal-flow should be considered for reabsorption of endolymph and disposal of high molecular waist products and debris by the endolymphatic sac. The earlier concepts of endolymph circulation thus need not any longer be considered conflicting.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007474 Ion Exchange Reversible chemical reaction between a solid, often one of the ION EXCHANGE RESINS, and a fluid whereby ions may be exchanged from one substance to another. This technique is used in water purification, in research, and in industry. Exchange, Ion
D007758 Ear, Inner The essential part of the hearing organ consists of two labyrinthine compartments: the bony labyrinthine and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is a complex of three interconnecting cavities or spaces (COCHLEA; VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH; and SEMICIRCULAR CANALS) in the TEMPORAL BONE. Within the bony labyrinth lies the membranous labyrinth which is a complex of sacs and tubules (COCHLEAR DUCT; SACCULE AND UTRICLE; and SEMICIRCULAR DUCTS) forming a continuous space enclosed by EPITHELIUM and connective tissue. These spaces are filled with LABYRINTHINE FLUIDS of various compositions. Labyrinth,Bony Labyrinth,Ear, Internal,Inner Ear,Membranous Labyrinth,Bony Labyrinths,Ears, Inner,Ears, Internal,Inner Ears,Internal Ear,Internal Ears,Labyrinth, Bony,Labyrinth, Membranous,Labyrinths,Labyrinths, Bony,Labyrinths, Membranous,Membranous Labyrinths
D007761 Labyrinthine Fluids Fluids found within the osseous labyrinth (PERILYMPH) and the membranous labyrinth (ENDOLYMPH) of the inner ear. (From Gray's Anatomy, 30th American ed, p1328, 1332) Fluid, Labyrinthine,Fluids, Labyrinthine,Labyrinthine Fluid
D008854 Microscopy, Electron Microscopy using an electron beam, instead of light, to visualize the sample, thereby allowing much greater magnification. The interactions of ELECTRONS with specimens are used to provide information about the fine structure of that specimen. In TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY the reactions of the electrons that are transmitted through the specimen are imaged. In SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY an electron beam falls at a non-normal angle on the specimen and the image is derived from the reactions occurring above the plane of the specimen. Electron Microscopy
D004710 Endolymph The lymph fluid found in the membranous labyrinth of the ear. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) Endolymphs
D004734 Energy Metabolism The chemical reactions involved in the production and utilization of various forms of energy in cells. Bioenergetics,Energy Expenditure,Bioenergetic,Energy Expenditures,Energy Metabolisms,Expenditure, Energy,Expenditures, Energy,Metabolism, Energy,Metabolisms, Energy
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man

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