Which structure is primarily responsible for converting mechanical energy into neural signals in the auditory system?

Which structure is primarily responsible for converting mechanical energy into neural signals in the auditory system?

• A. Cochlea
• B. Pinna
• C. Ossicles
• D. Eustachian tube

Answer: (A)

Mechanical energy from sound is ultimately converted to neural signals in the cochlea. As sound sets the eardrum and middle-ear bones into motion, the cochlea’s basilar membrane vibrates in a frequency-dependent way. This motion bends the stereocilia of inner hair cells, opening mechanically gated ion channels, which generates receptor potentials and triggers neurotransmitter release onto spiral ganglion neurons. The auditory nerve then carries these signals to the brain. Outer hair cells mainly modulate sensitivity and tuning, but the actual conversion of mechanical energy into neural signals occurs in the cochlear hair cells.

Mechanical energy from sound is ultimately converted to neural signals in the cochlea. As sound sets the eardrum and middle-ear bones into motion, the cochlea’s basilar membrane vibrates in a frequency-dependent way. This motion bends the stereocilia of inner hair cells, opening mechanically gated ion channels, which generates receptor potentials and triggers neurotransmitter release onto spiral ganglion neurons. The auditory nerve then carries these signals to the brain. Outer hair cells mainly modulate sensitivity and tuning, but the actual conversion of mechanical energy into neural signals occurs in the cochlear hair cells.