Hair cell

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Hair cell

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 cell: /hɛər sɛl/

Etymology

The term "hair cell" is named for the tufts of stereocilia that protrude from the apical surface of the cell, a structure known as the hair bundle, which give the cells their name.

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 (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs). IHCs are primarily responsible for transmitting sound information via afferent neurons. They are arranged in a single row in humans and other mammals. OHCs, on the other hand, serve to amplify low-level sounds that come into the cochlea.

Related Terms

  • Stereocilia: These are the 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.
  • Vestibular system: This is the sensory system that provides the leading contribution to the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance.

See Also

External links

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