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The reticular membrane (RM, also called reticular lamina or apical cuticular plate)Histology and Virtual Microscopy Learning Resources
University of Michigan Medical School; accessed 4 Apr 2013
is a thin, stiff lamina that extends from the outer hair cells to the Hensen's cells.Radivoj V. Krstic
Human Microscopic Anatomy: An Atlas for Students of Medicine and Biology
Springer, 1991; pp 554. .
The RM is composed of "minute-fiddle-shaped cuticular structures" called the phalangeal extensions of the outer hair cells, interspaced with extensions coming from the outer phalangeal cells. The RM separates
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. ...
in the
cochlear duct The cochlear duct (bounded by the scala media) is an endolymph filled cavity inside the cochlea, located between the tympanic duct and the vestibular duct, separated by the basilar membrane and the vestibular membrane (Reissner's membrane) r ...
from underlying corticolymph and
perilymph Perilymph is an extracellular fluid located within the inner ear. It is found within the scala tympani and scala vestibuli of the cochlea. The ionic composition of perilymph is comparable to that of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. The major ca ...
of the scala tympani. The hair processes of the outer hair cells emerge through and above the RM, thus immobilizing the apical pole of the outer hair cells. At the opposite basilar pole, the outer hair cells are firmly held by the phalangeal cells. The inner phalangeal cells that surround the inner hair cells reach the surface of the organ of Corti, but, even their inner-most row, are not included in the reticular membrane. Thus, the RM up to the outer edge of the tectorial membrane and does not extend unto the surface of the organ of Corti.


Additional images

Image:Gray929.png, Floor of ductus cochlearis. Image:Cochlea-crosssection.svg, Cross section of the cochlea.


Notes


External links


Diagram
at une.edu

at bioanim.com Ear {{anatomy-stub