tectorial membrane of cochlear duct

Introduction

A gelatinous membrane that covers the neuroepithelium of the cochlear duct overlying the organ of Corti

Function

• it contacts the stereocilia bundles of specialized sensory hair cells within the organ of Corti
• sound induces movement of these hair cells relative to the tectorial membrane, deflects the stereocilia & leads to fluctuations in hair-cell membrane potential, transducing sound into electrical signals

More general terms

• membrane
• ear structure

Component of

• cochlear duct; Lowenberg canal/scala