What is "modiolus"

Modiolus \Mo*di"o*lus\, n.; pl. Modioli. [L., a small measure.] (Anat.) The central column in the osseous cochlea of the ear.

n. 1 (context anatomy English) The central core of the cochlea 2 (context anatomy English) A chiasma of facial muscles held together by fibrous tissue

1. n. the central conical bony pillar of the cochlea

2. [also: modioli (pl)]

Modiolus can refer to:

• Modiolus (cochlea)
• Modiolus (face)
• Modiolus (genus), a genus of mussels in the Mytilidae

In facial anatomy, the modiolus is a chiasma of facial muscles held together by fibrous tissue, located lateral and slightly superior to each angle of the mouth. It is important in moving the mouth, facial expression and in dentistry.It is extremely important in relation to stability of lower denture, because of the strength and variability of movement of the area. It derives its motor nerve supply from the facial nerve, and its blood supply from labial branches of the facial artery.

It is contributed to by the following muscles: orbicularis oris, buccinator, levator anguli oris, depressor anguli oris, zygomaticus major, risorius, platysma, levator labii superioris.

The modiolus is a conical shaped central axis in the cochlea. It consists of spongy bone and the cochlea turns approximately 2.5 times around it. The spiral ganglion is situated inside it.

Modiolus, the horsemussels, are a genus of medium-sized marine bivalve molluscs in the family Mytilidae.