What is a modiolus?

The modiolus is a conical structure in the inner ear, specifically part of the cochlea, that serves as a central axis around which the cochlear turns spiral. It contains the auditory nerve fibers and supports the structure of the cochlea, playing a crucial role in hearing by facilitating the transmission of sound signals to the brain. Additionally, the modiolus is involved in the organization of the cochlear duct and the arrangement of sensory cells within the cochlea.