outer hair cell
Quick Summary
Outer hair cells are a type of sensory cell located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear. These cells play a crucial role in hearing by converting mechanical sound vibrations into nerve impulses that are sent to the brain.
Function in Hearing
When sound waves enter the ear, they cause vibrations that travel through the inner ear. The outer hair cells, along with their stereocilia (hair-like projections), are stimulated by these vibrations. This mechanical stimulation triggers a process that generates electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the cochlear nerve, where they are interpreted as sound.
Unique Properties
Unlike inner hair cells, outer hair cells possess contractile proteins, allowing them to contract and relax rhythmically. This ability suggests they may actively modify and enhance the auditory signals detected by the inner hair cells, contributing to the fine-tuning of hearing and the detection of faint sounds. The loss of these cells, often due to aging or noise exposure, can lead to hearing impairment.123
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sensesMechanical sensesIn contrast, the outer hair cells are motile and have a role in amplifying and modifying the movement of the basilar membrane.
Read MoreIn contrast, the outer hair cells are motile and have a role in amplifying and modifying the movement of the basilar membrane.
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human earOrgan of Corti…more rows of smaller, cylindrical outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are supported and enclosed by the inner phalangeal cells, which rest on the thin outer portion, called the tympanic lip, of the spiral limbus. On the inner side of the inner hair cells and the cells that support…
Read More…more rows of smaller, cylindrical outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are supported and enclosed by the inner phalangeal cells, which rest on the thin outer portion, called the tympanic lip, of the spiral limbus. On the inner side of the inner hair cells and the cells that support…
Read More- human earOrgan of Corti
…separate the inner from the outer hair cells. The reticular lamina extends from the inner border cells near the inner sulcus to the Hensen cells but does not include either of these cell groups. When a hair cell degenerates and disappears as a result of aging, disease, or noise-induced injury,…
Read More…separate the inner from the outer hair cells. The reticular lamina extends from the inner border cells near the inner sulcus to the Hensen cells but does not include either of these cell groups. When a hair cell degenerates and disappears as a result of aging, disease, or noise-induced injury,…
Read More