Tectorial membrane (cochlea)

The tectorial membrane ( tectorial membrane, or covering membrane ) is a gelatinous outer layer within the cochlea. It is attached to the spiral seam ( limbus spiralis ) the organ of Corti and covered this. The tectorial membrane consists of collagen fibrils and amorphous ground substance, but contains no cells. In the tectorial membrane, the sensory hairs protrude ( Stereovilli ) of the outer hair cells.

The tectorial membrane plays an important role in the conversion of mechanical vibrations into nerve impulses ( transduction ). Wherein vibration of the partition wall of the organ of Corti, there is a shearing motion of the outer hair cells and Stereovilli hydrodynamic coupling and the inner hair cells.