From the posterior wall of the
saccule a canal, the
endolymphatic duct, is given off; this duct is joined by the
utriculosaccular duct
The utriculosaccular duct (Latin: Ductus utriculosaccularis) is a part of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear which connects the two parts of the vestibule, the utricle and the saccule.
The utriculosaccular duct continues to the endolymph ...
, and then passes along the
vestibular aqueduct and ends in a blind pouch, the endolymphatic sac, on the posterior surface of the
petrous portion of the
temporal bone, where it is in contact with the
dura mater. Studies suggest that the endolymphatic duct and endolymphatic sac perform both absorptive and
secretory 440px
Secretion is the movement of material from one point to another, such as a secreted chemical substance from a cell or gland. In contrast, excretion is the removal of certain substances or waste products from a cell or organism. The classica ...
, as well as phagocytic and immunodefensive, functions.
[Wackym PA, Friberg U, Linthicum FH Jr, et al. Human endolymphatic sac: morphologic evidence of immunologic function. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 1987;96:276–282]
Neoplasms of the endolymphatic sac are very rare tumors.
References
External links
Images at wustl.edu
Vestibular system
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