Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Extracting the Cochlea from a Human Temporal Bone: A Cadaveric Protocol
Published on: August 18, 2023
Anatomical characteristics of the human cochlea in Bahrain
Ahmed Alsaei1, Fatema Alasfoor1, Deema Almutairi2
1ENT Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Government Hospitals, Manama, Bahrain.
Background:
Cochlear duct length (CDL) varies between individuals and influences cochlear implant (CI) electrode selection, making proper preoperative measurement an important step for optimizing CI outcomes.
Objectives:
To measure and report CDL and the cochlear parameters in subjects who underwent temporal bone CT scan in Bahrain.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective cohort study evaluated temporal bone CT scans obtained between 2010 and 2022 at Governmental Hospitals in Bahrain. One hundred subjects (200 ears) were consecutively selected from the hospital database as DICOM files. Scans with inadequate image quality or absence of thin-section imaging, and those with congenital or acquired temporal bone pathologies were excluded. CDL and main cochlear parameters were measured using OTOPLAN software.
Results:
Of the 200 ears analyzed, 142 met the inclusion criteria. Mean CDL was 34.8 ± 1.7 mm. Males showed significantly larger cochlear measurements than females, whereas no significant differences were observed between pediatric and adult subjects or between right and left ears.
Conclusions And Significance:
CDL varies significantly by gender but not by age or side. Differences were also observed between the Bahraini population and certain other geographic populations, highlighting the importance of individualized preoperative CDL measurement to optimize electrode array selection and CI outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
The Cochlea
Anatomy of the Ear
Hair Cells
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...

