1. the central bony pillar of the cochlea in the inner ear
Usage: anatomy

Examples

• The modiolus contains the spiral ganglion cells that transmit auditory signals.
• Damage to the modiolus can result in hearing loss.
• The cochlear nerve fibers wrap around the modiolus.
• Surgeons must be careful not to damage the modiolus during cochlear implant procedures.
• The modiolus serves as the central axis around which the cochlear duct spirals.