Question

what structure is highlighted?

a. spiral ganglion
b. vestibular membrane
c. cochlear duct
d. stria vascularis
e. scala tympani

Explanation:

Identify the histological section

The image shows a cross-section of the bony cochlea of the inner ear, displaying the turns of the cochlear canal around the central modiolus.

Analyze the highlighted structure

Using the Spiral Ganglion Histology knowledge point
The green highlighted regions are located within the bony channels of the modiolus (the central axis of the cochlea). These clusters contain the cell bodies of the bipolar sensory neurons that form the cochlear nerve. This structure is the spiral ganglion.

Evaluate the given options

• A. Spiral ganglion: Matches the highlighted central modiolus neuronal clusters.
• B. Vestibular membrane: The thin membrane separating the scala vestibuli and cochlear duct (not highlighted).
• C. Cochlear duct: The middle fluid-filled chamber (scala media) containing the organ of Corti (not highlighted).
• D. Stria vascularis: The vascularized tissue on the outer wall of the cochlear duct (not highlighted).
• E. Scala tympani: The lower fluid-filled chamber of the cochlear canal (not highlighted).

Answer:

• A. Spiral ganglion (Correct answer)
• B. Vestibular membrane
• C. Cochlear duct
• D. Stria vascularis
• E. Scala tympani