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Glite Dictionary
fenestra vestibuli

fenestra vestibuli

9.9
A small oval opening in the middle ear that lets sound pass into the inner ear
  • noun
  • /fəˈnɛstrə vɛsˈtɪbjuːlaɪ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ventana vestibular
  • The base of the stapes footplate fits snugly into the fenestra vestibuli.

Examples

  • The fenestra vestibuli plays a crucial role in transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear.

  • Damage to the fenestra vestibuli can lead to hearing loss or balance problems.

  • The fenestra vestibuli plays a crucial role in hearing.

  • Damage to the fenestra vestibuli can lead to hearing loss.

  • The fenestra vestibuli connects the middle ear to the inner ear, allowing sound waves to pass through.

  • When sound reaches the fenestra vestibuli, it vibrates, transmitting the sound signals to the cochlea.

  • In a healthy ear, the fenestra vestibuli effectively helps in the conduction of sound from the tympanic membrane.

Synonyms

oval window
vsfenestra vestibuli
  • Specialized
8.0

A small membrane-covered opening in the middle ear that passes vibrations from the ear bone to the inner ear

is the same opening known by another name
fenestra ovalis
vsfenestra vestibuli
  • Specialized
9.9

An oval opening in the middle ear where a small bone sends sound to the inner ear

is the same anatomical opening expressed with a different name
fenestra of the vestibule
vsfenestra vestibuli
  • Specialized
9.9

A small opening in the inner ear wall connected to a tiny middle ear bone that lets sound waves enter

is the identical opening but referred to by an alternate term

Surface Forms

fenestra vestibuli singular
fenestrae vestibuli plural

Morphology

fenestra + vestibuli

This is a technical Latin anatomical name: although 'fenestra' can mean 'opening', 'vestibuli' is a non‑dictionary/inflexed Latin form (genitive of vestibule) and is not a familiar English word to B1 learners. The specific anatomical referent ('oval window' of the ear) and the Latin construction are not derivable from the surface parts by an average B1 learner, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Fenestra vestibuli comes from Latin and literally means the 'window'—fenestra—of the 'vestibule'—vestibuli. It is the small oval opening in the inner wall of the middle ear where the stapes bone fits and sends sound into the inner ear, so the name gives a simple picture: a tiny 'window' that sound passes through.