Mechanical Properties of Human Round Window, Basilar and Reissner's Membranes

Abstract

In order to measure the mechanical strength of small and delicate biological specimens, a microtesting system was developed. We measured the mechanical properties of the round window, basilar and Reissner's membranes taken from the autopsied cases. The testing method was a displacement of the specimen by a force sensor needle until rupture. A load-displacement curve was then drawn and the mechanical value of each specimen was calculated. Reissner's membrane was the weakest, though it showed a measurable strength. From the load-displacement curve of the basilar membrane, it could be displaced by a smaller force than the rupture strength of Reissner's membrane. Speculation about the concept of a negative summating potential in Meniere's disease is therefore theoretically possible from a mechanical point of view.

Key Words:

• membranous labyrinth
• physical strength
• mechanical properties
• breakage load
• displacement