A receptor cell which converts fluid pressure changes into nerve impulses carried in the auditory nerve.
Specialized hearing receptor cells of the inner ear, located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea. Rod-shaped hair-like processes project from each cell. Sound waves cause movement of fluid within the cochlea, leading to motion of the hairs. Motion results in a change in the hair cells’ electrical charge and causes a nerve impulse to be transmitted via the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain converts the impulse to what we perceive of as a sound.
Epithelial cells with hair-like processes that respond to sound waves and maintain equilibrium.
An epithelial cell possessing stereocilia (microvilli) found in the maculae, cristae ampullaris, and the organ of Corti of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. These cells are receptors for the senses of position and hearing.