Final answer:
The modiolus is the central pillar of spongy bone that supports the cochlea of the inner ear. It provides structural support and connects the cochlea to other parts of the inner ear. It contains sensory neurons called spiral ganglia that are located within its spiral-shaped structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The modiolus refers to the central pillar of spongy bone that supports the cochlea of the inner ear. The cochlea is responsible for transducing sound waves into neural signals. It contains sensory neurons called spiral ganglia that are located within its spiral-shaped structure. The modiolus connects the cochlea to the other parts of the inner ear and provides structural support. The modiolus is a central, conical bony core within the cochlea of the inner ear.
It serves as a central pillar or axis around which the cochlear duct (spiral-shaped structure containing the organ of Corti, responsible for hearing) is wound. The modiolus provides structural support to the cochlea and helps maintain its shape. The cochlea is a complex, coiled structure involved in the transduction of sound vibrations into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain. It contains sensory neurons called spiral ganglia that are located within its spiral-shaped structure. The modiolus is an integral part of the cochlea, contributing to its overall function by providing a stable framework for the delicate structures within the inner ear.