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The deepest part of the human ear is essential for hearing and balance. It is formed by a complex series of connected cavities filled with liquid. In order for the inner ear to function properly, the body must accurately regulate the pressure created by the fluid in its cavities.
A structure known as the endolymphatic sac, which is a balloon-like chamber connected to the rest of the inner ear. for a thin tube, help with this regulation. However, scientists still do not know exactly how the bag performs its function.
In order to have a better understanding about this, a team of scientists conducted an investigation that revealed precisely how the endolymphatic sac performs its presorption function.
The inner ear is composed of several interconnected structures and filled with a specialized fluid that moves in response to sound waves or movement of the head. These subtle fluid movements are detected by sensory cells and converted into neuronal signals that the brain can process.
The study of the inner ear is difficult because it is enclosed in one of the densest bones of the body. However, many other animals also have internal ears, from fish to birds and mammals.
Especially, in zebrafish embryos, the ear starts working before the surrounding bones are formed, making the structure accessible as well, using advanced techniques in microscopy and jet spray. Inks, the researchers examined the inner ear of these small fish
Experiments have shown that as the pressure in the inner ear increases, the endolymphatic sac fills slowly from the inner ear.
By analyzing the details of these cycles of inflation and deflation, the researchers discovered that the cells that make up the bag have spaces between them. A fin covers these spaces to keep the liquid inside, but under pressure, the fin opens and the liquid can escape. These results show that the endolymphatic sac functions as a pressure relief valve for the inner ear.
The results reveal a unique biological mechanism for maintaining fluid pressure and composition, and could be used in the development of treatment disorders that involve defects in the pressure of the inner ear, such as Meniere's disease , a condition characterized by dizziness, loss of hearing and buzzing in the ears.
In addition, the results can also help researchers to study pressure control. other organs, such as the eyes and kidneys, which also have cavities filled with fluid.
Reference: The lamellar projections in the endolymphatic sac act as a relief valve to regulate the intra-auricular pressure. eLife, 2018. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.37131
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