Function of the Utriculo-Endolymphatic Valve: Two Cases of Ruptured Saccules in Children

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The function of the valvelike structure at the entrance of the utricular duct into the utricle has not been determined. The first account of it was given in 1928 by Bast,¹who named it the "utriculo-endolymphatic valve" and made the following suggestion as to its possible function: Its position would indicate that the flow of endolymph is from the endolymphatic duct to the utricle, but this is not a necessary conclusion. If the flow is in the other direction the slow movement of the endolymph may not affect this valve. On the other hand, in case of sudden pressure disturbance, this valve may prevent the outflow of endolymph from the utricle thus maintaining a more constant pressure within the utricle and semicircular canals. In 1929, Wilson and Anson²described the valve in a 2 year old child. In the same year Anson and Wilson³described it in