Vestibular membrane

The vestibular membrane, vestibular wall or Reissner's membrane, is a membrane inside the cochlea of the inner ear. It separates the cochlear duct from the vestibular duct. Together with the basilar membrane, it creates a compartment in the cochlea filled with endolymph, which is important for the function of the spiral organ of Corti. It primarily functions as a diffusion barrier, allowing nutrients to travel from the perilymph to the endolymph of the membranous labyrinth.

Vestibular membrane
Cross-section of the cochlea showing the position of the vestibular membrane.
Cross-section of the cochlea at higher magnification showing the membrane (here labelled "Reissner's membrane")
Details
PronunciationEnglish: /ˈrsnər/
LocationCochlea of the inner ear
Identifiers
Latinmembrana vestibularis ductus cochlearis
Anatomical terminology

Histologically, the membrane is composed of two layers of flattened epithelium, separated by a basal lamina. Its structure suggests that its function is transport of fluid and electrolytes.

Reissner's membrane is named after German anatomist Ernst Reissner (1824-1878).

Additional images

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