Definition

Noun: - An artery that is a branch of the basilar artery that supplies the labyrinth: The labyrinthine artery is a small blood vessel that arises from the basilar artery in the brain. Its primary function is to deliver oxygenated blood to the inner ear structures, specifically the cochlea and vestibular system, which are collectively known as the labyrinth.

Usage

• This term is used exclusively in medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific artery related to hearing and balance.
• It is a precise anatomical term and is not used in everyday language.

Examples

• Noun:
  • A blockage in the labyrinthine artery can cause sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the labyrinthine artery during the procedure to preserve the patient's inner ear function.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Significance: The labyrinthine artery is an end artery, meaning it provides the sole blood supply to the inner ear. Its occlusion can lead to permanent damage, resulting in conditions like vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Variants and Related Words

• Internal Auditory Artery: This is a synonym for the labyrinthine artery.
• Basilar Artery: The larger artery from which the labyrinthine artery typically branches.
• Labyrinth: The complex, maze-like structure of the inner ear, comprising the cochlea and vestibular organs, which this artery supplies.

Synonyms

• Internal auditory artery

Related Terms (Anatomical)

• Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, supplied by this artery.
• Vestibular System: The system within the inner ear responsible for balance, also supplied by this artery.

Noun

1. an artery that is a branch of the basilar artery that supplies the labyrinth