Within the cochlea, which structure contains the primary sound receptor?

Within the cochlea, which structure contains the primary sound receptor?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Ossicles
• C. Tympanic membrane
• D. Organ of Corti

Answer: (D)

Inside the cochlea, the main sensory receptor for sound is the Organ of Corti. It sits on the basilar membrane of the cochlear duct and contains inner and outer hair cells with hair-like stereocilia. When vibrations from sound move the basilar membrane, the stereocilia bend, opening ion channels, creating receptor potentials, and triggering neurotransmitter release onto auditory nerve fibers. This converts mechanical energy into neural signals that the brain interprets as sound. The Organ of Corti is the specialized sensory structure for hearing, whereas the cochlea is the whole spiral organ, the ossicles are the middle-ear bones that transmit vibrations, and the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is the entry point that captures sound waves.

Inside the cochlea, the main sensory receptor for sound is the Organ of Corti. It sits on the basilar membrane of the cochlear duct and contains inner and outer hair cells with hair-like stereocilia. When vibrations from sound move the basilar membrane, the stereocilia bend, opening ion channels, creating receptor potentials, and triggering neurotransmitter release onto auditory nerve fibers. This converts mechanical energy into neural signals that the brain interprets as sound. The Organ of Corti is the specialized sensory structure for hearing, whereas the cochlea is the whole spiral organ, the ossicles are the middle-ear bones that transmit vibrations, and the tympanic membrane (eardrum) is the entry point that captures sound waves.