What is the endolymphatic bag?

Endolymphatic bag is a structure at the end of the membrane labyrinth in the inner ear. Endolymph is the name of the fluid that fills the membrane labyrinth. The endolymphatic bag has an irregular, complex shape and consists of interconnected tubes and spaces. It is assumed that its function includes absorption and excretion and plays a role in the immune response. Although its role is not fully understood, it is assumed that the endolymphatic bag is involved in the development of Meniere's disease, a condition in which the dizziness and hearing problems occur. The membranous labyrinth is completely sealed so that the endolympka inside does not communicate with the perilymph outside. The membrane labyrinth includes sensory structures associated with balance and hearing. Those dealing with balance are semicircular channels, saccule and utrition, while Cochlea is a structure associated with hearing. These sensory parts of the labyrinth are associated with two non -resistance structures, which are ductus endolymphaticus and endolymphatic bag.

Endolymphs of Kochle and Saccule pass through a tube or channel known as Ductus endolymphaticus. Of the semicircular channels and Utricle, endolymphs pass through the ductus Utriculosaccularis, which connects to the ductus endolymphaticus. Ductus endolymphaticrus leads through a channel called aquaeduktus vestibuli to an endolymphatic bag. It sits inside the temporal bone in the skull and forms a blind end of the membrane labyrinth. Although all parts of the membrane labyrinth are connected using a pipe, the endolymph does not actually flow compartments.

Endolymphatic bag has a simple structure in newborns, but after the first year of life begins to develop a more complex shape. At about the age of four, it will develop a complicated structure that is found in adults. The central part of SAC is the most complex and is known as the tubular part. Only a small amount of endolymph is found inside the bag and unlike most membrane labyrinths is not surrounded byperilymph.

Although scientists continue to explore the processes involved in Meniere's disease, endolymphatic SAC plays an important role. In patients with disease, SAC is often small or invisible when looking at scanning magnetic resonance (MRI). The use of endolymphatic surgery SAC as the treatment of Meniere's disease is controversial and many doctors consider it ineffective.