Reissner\\\'s_membrane

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

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

External links

• vestibular+membrane at eMedicine Dictionary
• Histology at KUMC eye_ear-ear03
• UIUC Histology Subject 76
• Powerpoint at University of Toronto
• Overview at University of Wisconsin-Madison
• description at University of Texas
• Image at University of New England, Maine

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