Figure 1. Cross-sectional diagram of the cochlear duct.

The scala media, or cochlear duct, is shaded light blue and contains potassium-enriched endolymph secreted from the stria vascularis. The scala vestibuli and scala tympani, separated from the cochlear duct by Reissner’s membrane and the basilar membrane, respectively, are shaded pink and contain perilymph. Auditory hair cells are colored blue, and supporting cells of the organ of Corti are orange. Efferent nerve fibers innervating inner hair cells are colored blue and afferent nerve fibers innervating all rows are red. Other cells types residing outside the organ of Corti are colored green. IHC, inner hair cell; OHCs, outer hair cells.