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 from underlying corticolymph and
perilymph 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
The tectoria membrane (TM) is one of two acellular membranes in the cochlea of the inner ear, the other being the basilar membrane (BM). "Tectorial" in anatomy means forming a cover. The TM is located above the spiral limbus and the spiral org ...
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
Diagramat une.edu
at bioanim.com
Ear
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