Hair cells are specialized cells in the inner ear that convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain.

What are hair cells called?

Hair cells are also called auditory sensory cells or mechanoreceptors.

What are hair cells responsible for?

Hair cells are responsible for hearing. They do this by converting the mechanical energy present in sound vibrations into electrical activity.

Where are hair cells produced?

Hair cells are produced in the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear.

What is the purpose of the hair cells within the cochlea?

The purpose of hair cells within the cochlea is to convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. These electrical signals are then interpreted by the brain as sound.

How Hair Cells Work

Hair cells have tiny hairs, called stereocilia, that project from the top of the cell. These hairs are embedded in a gel-like substance called the endolymph. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the basilar membrane, which is a thin, flexible membrane in the cochlea, to vibrate. This vibration causes the stereocilia to bend. The bending of the stereocilia opens ion channels in the hair cell membrane. This allows positively charged ions to flow into the cell, which creates an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Damage to Hair Cells

Hair cells can be damaged by noise exposure, certain medications, and diseases such as Meniere’s disease. When hair cells are damaged, they can no longer convert sound waves into electrical signals. This can lead to hearing loss.

Treatment for Hair Cell Damage

There is no current cure for hair cell damage. However, there are a number of treatments that can help to improve hearing, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Conclusion

Hair cells are essential for hearing. They convert sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Without hair cells, we would not be able to hear.