Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology

The Senses 213

Cochlear duct filled with endolymph

Vestibular membrane

Vestibular canal (from the oval window)

Supporting cells

Hair cells

Basilar membrane

Tympanic canal

(to the round window)

Semicircular canals

Oval window

Round window

Cochlea

Nerve fibers of

8th cranial nerve

Tectorial membrane

A

B

Figure 9–9. Organ of Corti. (A) Inner ear structures. (B) Magnification of organ of Corti

within the cochlea.

QUESTION:What do the canals and cochlear duct contain (air or fluid)? What are the

receptors for hearing?