semicircular duct

Introduction

One of 3 small membranous tubes within the semicircular canals of the bony labyrinth. They form loops of about 2/3 of a circle. The 3 ducts, anterior, posterior & lateral lie in planes at right angles to each other. They open into the vestibule. Each duct has an ampulla at one end within which arborizations of the vestibular nerve terminate.

More general terms

• ductus
• ear structure

More specific terms

• membranous ampulla of semicircular ducts

Component of

• semicircular canal