Figure 3: Principles of substance distribution in the inner ear
A: Cross section through the guinea pig cochlea and section of one turn. M: modiolus, ST: scala tympani, SV: scala vestibuli, EL: endolymphatic space. The "radial processes" considered in the 1D and 3D computer models take account of the exchange between the different compartments (scalae) and the clearance from the scalae /vestibulum into the body's blood circulation or into the modiolus.
B: Depiction of "rolled up" cochlea and vestibulum: amongst the "longitudinal processes" include the geometric dimensions of the scalae, diffusion along the scalae, the helicotrema and into the vestibulum (V) and with local application to the middle ear (MO) the entry of substance through the round window membrane (RF). (after Plontke et al. 2004 and 2002, © Elsevier (a) and Otology & Neurotology Inc., with kind permission [177, 328]).