What is the Difference Between Endolymph and Perilymph?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Endolymph and perilymph are two distinct fluids found within the inner ear, playing crucial roles in hearing and external sound transduction. The main differences between endolymph and perilymph are their chemical compositions and locations within the inner ear:
- Chemical Composition: Endolymph has a composition similar to intracellular fluids, with high potassium (K+) and low sodium (Na+) concentrations. Perilymph, on the other hand, has a composition similar to extracellular fluids, with high sodium and low potassium concentrations.
- Location: Endolymph is located within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear, specifically in the scala media. Perilymph fills the space inside the bony labyrinth, which surrounds the membranous labyrinth, and is found within the scala tympani and scala vestibuli of the cochlea.
- Ionic Concentrations: Endolymph has a potassium concentration of about 150 mM and a sodium concentration of about 1 mM, while perilymph has a sodium concentration of about 150 mM and a potassium concentration of about 5 mM.
- Protein Content: Perilymph contains a large number of proteins, such as extracellular enzymes and immunoglobulins, which are important for immune responses and metabolism. Endolymph does not contain as many proteins as perilymph.
Both endolymph and perilymph play vital roles in the functioning of the inner ear, and disruptions in their functions can lead to diseases such as Ménière's disease.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Endolymph and Perilymph? Comparative Table: Endolymph vs Perilymph
Comparative Table: Endolymph vs Perilymph
Here is a table comparing the differences between endolymph and perilymph:
Feature | Endolymph | Perilymph |
---|---|---|
Location | Within the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear | In the space inside the bony labyrinth, surrounding the membranous labyrinth |
Ionic Composition | Higher potassium ion concentration (about 140 mEq/L) | Higher sodium ion concentration (about 150 mEq/L) and lower potassium ion concentration (about 5 mEq/L) |
Protein Content | Contains proteins such as extracellular enzymes and immunoglobulins | Contains fewer proteins compared to endolymph |
Role in Hearing | Participates in unidirectional flow of sound with perilymph | Surrounds and protects the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear |
Barriers | Reissner membrane forms a selective barrier between endolymph and perilymph | Blood-endolymph and blood-perilymph barriers control the passage of substances from the blood to the inner ear |
Both endolymph and perilymph are physiological fluids found in the inner ear and play a pivotal role in external sound transduction to the brain. Disruptions in their functions can lead to diseases such as Ménière's disease.
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