tectorial membrane

/ tɛkˈtɔːrɪəl /

noun

1. the membrane in the inner ear that covers the organ of Corti

Word History and Origins

Origin of tectorial membrane¹

C19: tectorial , from Latin tectōrium a covering, from tegere to cover

Example Sentences

As the one wave ascends while the other descends, a pressure of the basilar membrane occurs at the point where they meet; this causes the basilar membrane to move towards the tectorial membrane, forcing this membrane suddenly against the apices of the hair-cells, thus irritating the nerves.

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The hairs of the sense cells are shaken by the vibration of the water, and pass the impulse back to the end-brushes of the auditory axons, The tectorial membrane looks as if it might act as a damper, but may be concerned, as "accessory apparatus," in the stimulation of the hair cells.

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