Summary
Morphological evidence indicate that the main function of the endolymphatic sac is to act as a reabsorptive and defensive mechanism for the inner ear. This activity is markedly enhanced in labyrinthine trauma, such as injection of foreign particles into the labyrinth, blocking of the endolymphatic duct, and cryosurgical destruction of vestibular sensory epithelia. Light and dark epithelial cells of the intermediate portion of the sac are capable of reabsorbing endolymph and digesting cellular debris respectively. The extensive capillary network surrounding the endolymphatic sac exhibits endothelial characteristics suggestive of active fluid transport. The “dynamic-flow theory” of endolymph circulation suggests that a radial-flow should be considered for energy metabolism and ion exchange around the sensory cell regions whereas a longitudinal-flow should be considered for reabsorption of endolymph and disposal of high molecular waist products and debris by the endolymphatic sac. The earlier concepts of endolymph circulation thus need not any longer be considered conflicting.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Allen, G. W.: Endolymphatic sac and cochlear aqueduct. Arch. Otolaryng. 79, 322 (1964)
Arenberg, I. K., Marovitz, W. F., Shambaugh, G. E., Jr.: The role of the endolymphatic sac in the pathogenesis of endolymphatic hydrops in man. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh.) (Suppl.) 275, 1 (1970)
Bast, T. H., Anson, B. J.: The temporal bone and the ear. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas 1949
Boettcher, A.: Über den Aquaeductus vestibuli bei Katzen und Menschen. Arch. Anat. Physiol., S. 372, Jahrgang 1869
Cotugno, D.: De aquaeductibus auris humanae internae. Viennae: R. Graeffer 1774
Guild, S. R.: The circulation of the endolymph. Amer. J. Anat. 39, 57 (1927)
Guild, S. R.: Circulation of the endolymph. Laryngoscope 37, 649 (1927)
Iwata, N.: Über das Labyrinth der Fledermaus mit besonderer Berücksichtigung des statischen Apparates. Aichi J. Exp. Med. 1, 41 (1924)
Kimura, R. S.: Distribution, structure, and function of dark cells in the vestibular labyrinth. Annals 78, 542 (1969)
Kolmer, W.: roskopische Anatomie des nervösen Apparates des Ohres. In: Handbuch d. Neurologie d. Ohres. Bd. 1, S. 101, (Eds. Alexander, G., et al.). Berlin: Urban and Schwarzenberg 1923
Lawrence, M., Wolsk, D., Litton, W. B.: Circulation of the inner ear fluids. Ann. Otol. 70, 753 (1961)
Lundquist, P.-G., Kimura, R. S., Wersäll, J.: Ultrastructural organization of the epithelial lining in the endolymphatic duct and sac in the guinea pig. Acta oto-laryng. 57, 65 (1964)
Lundquist, P.-G.: The endolymphatic duct and sac in the guinea pig. An electron microscopic and experimental investigation. Acta oto-Laryng. (Stockh.) (Suppl.) 201, 1 (1965)
Lundquist, P.-G.: In: Myotatic, Kinaesthetic and Vestibular Mechanisms, p. 147. London: Churchill 1967
Lundquist, P.-G., Schindler, R. A.: Experiments on endolymphtic sac morphology and function. Proceeding of Barany Society Meeting, Los Angeles 1974
Naftalin, L., Harrison, M. S.: Circulation of labyrinthine fluids. J. Laryng. 72, 118 (1958)
Rhodin, J. A. G.: The diaphragm of capillary endothelial fenestrations. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 6, 171 (1962)
Schindler, R. A., Lundquist, P.-G., Morrison, M. D.: Endolymphatic sac response to cryosurgery of the lateral ampulla. Ann. Otol. 83, 674 (1974)
Schuknecht, H. F., Kimura, R. S.: Functional and histological findings after obliteration of the periotic duct and endolymphatic sac in sound conditioned cats. Laryngoscope 63, 128 (1967)
Seymor, J. C.: Observations on the circulation in the cochlea. J. Laryng. 68, 689 (1954)
Siebenmann, F.: Anatomische Untersuchungen über den Saccus und Ductus endolymphaticus beim Menschen. Beitr. Anat. etc., Ohr. 13, 59 (1919)
Zechner, G.: Zur Pathohistologie des Ductus und Saccus Endolymphaticus. Acta oto-Laryng. (Stockh.) 75, 232 (1973)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
This work was supported by grants from the Swedish Medical Research Council, grant No. B76-17X-3915-04B, and by funds from the Karolinska Institute.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lundquist, P.G. Aspects on endolymphatic Sac morphology and function. Arch Otorhinolaryngol 212, 231–240 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00453671
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00453671