Biomaterial Database

[Functional integration of the systems acting in the cochlear micromechanics]. 1995

G Rossi

Università di Torino.

The aim of this paper is to suggest a degree of functional integration among the mechanisms acting in cochlear micromechanics. This hypothesis is based mainly on the results of the following research: a) seminal studies on the vibration patterns of the ossicular chain in relation to stimulus frequency and intensity; b) indirect proof of the existence of a second filter to account for the specific frequency selectivity of Corti's organ; c) the demonstration that outer hair cells are only ones to be endowed with contractile proteins and to display contractile activity; d) the definition of the origin and distribution of the olivocochlear efferent system. Although some aspects of the results of this series of research need to be understood in further detail. The knowledge gathered up to now appears to justify the hypothesis illustrated in this paper.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009476	Neurons, Efferent	Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells.	Efferent Neurons,Efferent Neuron,Neuron, Efferent
D009925	Organ of Corti	The spiral EPITHELIUM containing sensory AUDITORY HAIR CELLS and supporting cells in the cochlea. Organ of Corti, situated on the BASILAR MEMBRANE and overlaid by a gelatinous TECTORIAL MEMBRANE, converts sound-induced mechanical waves to neural impulses to the brain.	Basilar Papilla,Corti's Organ,Spiral Organ,Corti Organ,Cortis Organ,Organ, Corti's,Organ, Spiral,Organs, Spiral,Papilla, Basilar,Spiral Organs
D003051	Cochlea	The part of the inner ear (LABYRINTH) that is concerned with hearing. It forms the anterior part of the labyrinth, as a snail-like structure that is situated almost horizontally anterior to the VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH.	Cochleas
D004429	Ear Ossicles	A mobile chain of three small bones (INCUS; MALLEUS; STAPES) in the TYMPANIC CAVITY between the TYMPANIC MEMBRANE and the oval window on the wall of INNER EAR. Sound waves are converted to vibration by the tympanic membrane then transmitted via these ear ossicles to the inner ear.	Auditory Ossicles,Auditory Ossicle,Ear Ossicle,Ossicle, Auditory,Ossicle, Ear,Ossicles, Auditory,Ossicles, Ear
D006198	Hair Cells, Auditory	Sensory cells in the organ of Corti, characterized by their apical stereocilia (hair-like projections). The inner and outer hair cells, as defined by their proximity to the core of spongy bone (the modiolus), change morphologically along the COCHLEA. Towards the cochlear apex, the length of hair cell bodies and their apical STEREOCILIA increase, allowing differential responses to various frequencies of sound.	Auditory Hair Cells,Cochlear Hair Cells,Auditory Hair Cell,Cell, Cochlear Hair,Cells, Cochlear Hair,Cochlear Hair Cell,Hair Cell, Auditory,Hair Cell, Cochlear,Hair Cells, Cochlear
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013680	Tectorial Membrane	A membrane, attached to the bony SPIRAL LAMINA, overlying and coupling with the hair cells of the ORGAN OF CORTI in the inner ear. It is a glycoprotein-rich keratin-like layer containing fibrils embedded in a dense amorphous substance.	Membrane, Tectorial,Membranes, Tectorial,Tectorial Membranes