Organ of Corti
Organ of Corti
The Organ of Corti (pronounced: /ˈkɔːrti/), also known as Corti's organ, is a structure located in the cochlea of the inner ear. It is named after the Italian anatomist Alfonso Corti, who first described it in 1851.
Etymology
The Organ of Corti is named after Alfonso Corti, an Italian anatomist who discovered the structure while studying the anatomy of the inner ear. The term "organ" in this context is used to denote a complex structure of tissues, while "Corti" is derived from the surname of the scientist who discovered it.
Function
The Organ of Corti is the sensory organ of hearing. It contains specialized sensory cells known as hair cells, which convert the mechanical vibrations caused by sound waves into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve, resulting in the perception of sound.
Structure
The Organ of Corti is a complex structure that consists of several different types of cells and tissues. It is located on the basilar membrane in the cochlea of the inner ear and is composed of hair cells, supporting cells, and a tectorial membrane. The hair cells are the primary sensory cells of the organ, while the supporting cells provide structural and metabolic support. The tectorial membrane, which lies above the hair cells, plays a crucial role in the transduction of sound vibrations into electrical signals.
Related Terms
- Cochlea: The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear that contains the Organ of Corti.
- Hair cells: The sensory cells in the Organ of Corti that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals.
- Auditory nerve: The nerve that carries signals from the Organ of Corti to the brain.
- Tectorial membrane: A structure in the Organ of Corti that plays a crucial role in the transduction of sound vibrations.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Organ of Corti
- Wikipedia's article - Organ of Corti
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