HELICOTREMA Meaning and
Definition
-
Helicotrema is a term derived from the Latin words "helic-" meaning spiral and "trema" meaning hole. It refers to a minute opening or aperture present in the cochlea of the inner ear, specifically the part known as the scala media. This small opening is created by the overlap of two membranes within the cochlea.
Located at the apex or the tip of the cochlea, the helicotrema acts as a crucial connector between two of the cochlear canals: the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani. These canals are responsible for transmitting vibrations within the ear, allowing us to perceive sound. The helicotrema, essentially acting as a pressure equalizer, enables fluid to flow freely between the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani. This fluid movement is essential for the proper functioning of the cochlea in order to create a comprehensive auditory experience.
The presence of the helicotrema ensures that pressure levels are accurately maintained and allows the proper transmission of sound vibrations through the fluid-filled cochlea. Without this aperture, sound waves would be unable to pass effectively from the scala vestibuli to the scala tympani, leading to impaired hearing or loss of hearing ability altogether.
Overall, the helicotrema plays a vital role in the intricate mechanisms of the human auditory system, facilitating proper sound transmission and ensuring a comprehensive perception of sound.
-
A semilunar opening between the free curved edge of the lamina of the modiolus and the hamulus of the lamina spiralis ossea, through which the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani of the cochlea communicate with one another.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HELICOTREMA
- gelicotrema
- belicotrema
- nelicotrema
- jelicotrema
- uelicotrema
- yelicotrema
- hwlicotrema
- hslicotrema
- hdlicotrema
- hrlicotrema
- h4licotrema
- h3licotrema
- hekicotrema
- hepicotrema
- heoicotrema
- helucotrema
- heljcotrema
- helkcotrema
- helocotrema
Etymology of HELICOTREMA
The word "Helicotrema" is derived from two Greek terms, "helix", meaning "spiral", and "kotrema", meaning "hole" or "opening". The combination of these two words refers to the spiral-shaped opening or aperture found in the inner ear. The helicotrema is a small opening within the cochlea that connects the two chambers of the inner ear, allowing for the transmission of sound vibrations.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
