Hair cells
Hair cells
Hair cells are the sensory receptors of both the auditory system and the vestibular system in the ears of all vertebrates. Through mechanotransduction, hair cells detect movement in their environment. In mammals, the auditory hair cells are located within the spiral organ of Corti on the thin basilar membrane in the cochlea of the inner ear.
Pronunciation
Hair cells: /hɛər sɛlz/
Etymology
The term "hair cell" is named for the tufts of stereocilia that protrude from the top of the cell, a structure known as the hair bundle, which give the cells their hair-like appearance.
Function
Hair cells, located in the cochlea, are responsible for converting auditory signals into electrical signals which can be interpreted by the brain. They are also found in the vestibular system, where they help maintain balance and spatial orientation.
Types
There are two types of hair cells: inner hair cells and outer hair cells. Inner hair cells are the main sensory receptors, while outer hair cells are responsible for amplifying sounds.
Related Terms
- Stereocilia: Small hairlike projections on the tops of inner and outer hair cells.
- Cochlea: The spiral cavity of the inner ear containing the organ of Corti, which produces nerve impulses in response to sound vibrations.
- Organ of Corti: The organ in the ear that contains auditory hair cells.
- Mechanotransduction: The physiological process where cells sense and respond to mechanical loads.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hair cells
- Wikipedia's article - Hair cells
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