WordNet
n. fenestra that has the base of the stapes attached to it [syn: fenestra ovalis, fenestra vestibuli, fenestra of the vestibule]
Wikipedia
The oval window (or fenestra vestibuli) is a membrane-covered opening that leads from the middle ear to the vestibule of the inner ear.
Vibrations that contact the tympanic membrane travel through the three ossicles and into the inner ear. The oval window is the intersection of the middle ear with the inner ear and is directly contacted by the stapes; by the time vibrations reach the oval window, they have been amplified over 20 times from what they were when they contacted the tympanic membrane, a testament to the amplifying power of the middle ear.
It is a reniform (kidney-shaped) opening leading from the tympanic cavity into the vestibule of the internal ear; its long diameter is horizontal and its convex border is upward. It is occupied by the base of the stapes, the circumference of which is fixed by the annular ligament to the margin of the foramen.
Usage examples of "oval window".
The upper part of the cochlea, which leads from the stapes and the oval window, consists of two tubes, the vestibular canal and the cochlear canal, separated by a very thin membrane.
How nice to be lying here at the bottom of the well, watching the world through the distant oval window, dreamily, drifting.
He searched out the large oval window near him, looking to see if any police were converging on them, but he was facing away from the main terminal.
I could see a tiny round opening, the oval window to the inner ear.
The kzin lifted off, eased his flycycle through a great oval window.
Alex Thomas was crouched beside the small oval window, trying to take advantage of what daylight there was.
A single oval window admitted warm afternoon light from Tandaloor's golden sun.
He was alone when she arrived in the high-vaulted, empty marble hall, standing on a high dais by a great oval window as tall as six tall men.
Glancing beyond it, at the langorous midair dance of the amorous elven couple, he smiledor tried toand soared away, out an oval window into the mossy gardens beyond, seeking information.