Structures of the ear
This rests in the cochlea and is differentially sensitive to frequency.
What is the basilar membrane?
This a coiled shaped structure that contains 3 chambers and many smaller structures that all play an important role in sensation
Cochlea
Hair cells are so-called because of this, which is a hair-like protrusions from the apex of the cell.
Stereocillia
The auditory pathway terminates in primary auditory cortex which is located here.
What is the temporal lobe/ superior temporal gyrus (Heschl’s gyrus)?
This is responsible for collecting sound and funneling sounds into the middle ear
External auditory meatus = Ear Canal
The basilar membrane is ____________ organized so that higher pitched sounds deflect the membrane at the base.
tonotopically
Tips of stereo cilia are imbedded in here.
What's the tectorial membrane?
Auditory information ascends both ____ and ____, which is why cortical deafness is rare.
Ipsilateral and contralateral
Amplifies sounds and converts acoustic energy into mechanical energy.
Tympanum (Tympanic Membrane; aka the eardrum)
The _______ end of the basilar membrane is narrow & stiff, which is sensitive to higher frequency sounds
Base
Hair cells depolarize with specific movements of the basilar membrane resulting in graded release of this neurotransmitter
Glutamate
This area is critical for sound localization and binaural hearing
Superior olivary nucleus
The footplate of the stapes connects to this in order to convert mechanical energy to hydraulic energy in the cochlea.
What is the oval window?
This canal contains the organ of corti which is responsible for sensory transduction and is filled with endolymph.
Scala Media
These receive the most sensory afferent innervation and carry the majority of acoustic information to the brain.
Inner Hair Cells
Outputs of the inferior colliculi go to the ________________ of the thalamus.
medial geniculate nucleus (MGN)
There are responsible for helping the tympanic membrane amplify sounds through their lever-like movement within the middle ear.
Ossicles
Vibration of oval window causes pressure changes in this fluid within the vestibular canal
perilymph/endolymph
The OHCs contain these which allow them to change length in response to voltage input and modifies the extent of basilar membrane displacement.
What are motor proteins?
They form the cochlear portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve and as they exit the cochlea.
What are SPIRAL GANGLION NEURONS/ IHC afferents?