The tunnel of Corti, a triangular fluid filled space within the organ of Corti, is bounded laterally and medially by which pair of structures?

• A Inner and outer hair cells
• B Tectorial membrane and basilar membrane
• C Cells of Hensen and cells of Deiters
• D Outer and inner pillar cells ✓

Explanation

The tunnel of Corti is enclosed between the inner pillar cell, which forms the medial wall arising near the inner hair cell, and the outer pillar cell, which forms the lateral wall. Both pillars rest on the basilar membrane and their rigid, angled bodies create a fluid filled space containing cortilymph. Hensen and Deiters cells lie further laterally among the outer hair cells, and the tectorial membrane overlies the whole organ rather than forming a tunnel wall.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

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