The fluid-filled inner-ear structure whose graded mechanics and sensory cells transform sound-driven vibration into neural signals. Distributed frequency selectivity, active feedback and temporal coding contribute distinct information; a cochlear place response alone does not identify the physical source of a sound.
Active biological feedback contributing level-dependent gain and frequency tuning to cochlear mechanics. It can enhance weak near-characteristic-frequency stimulation more than intense or off-frequency stimulation. A perturbation of the whole preparation must be interpreted carefully because it can alter both mechanical and neural transduction processes.
A sensory cell whose mechanically sensitive bundle supports mechanotransduction. The cochlear inner and outer classes have different dominant roles in afferent signaling and mechanical feedback.
A cochlear hair-cell class contributing mechanical feedback that increases weak-sound sensitivity and sharpens frequency selectivity. Its feedback-dependent effects are part of the cochlear amplifier.
A cochlear hair-cell class providing most afferent input to the auditory nerve. Mechanical stimulation changes receptor activity and transmitter release; downstream auditory nerve fibers carry action potentials.
A mechanically graded structure supporting frequency-dependent traveling-wave responses in the cochlea. High-frequency responses peak nearer the base and low-frequency responses nearer the apex. Its living response is modified by the cochlear amplifier, so passive mechanical measurements do not capture the entire operating system.
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The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure located in the inner ear that plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. It is named after its distinctive coiled shape, resembling a snail shell. The cochlea contains hair cells, which are sensory receptors that convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. The cochlea is divided into three main chambers: the scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani.