The Auditory System

Mechanism of Hair Cell Stimulation

• Sound waves cause the basilar membrane to move relative to the tectorial membrane, resulting in the bending of hair cell cilia.
• The bending of cilia causes the opening of ion channels in the hair cells.
• The opening of ion channels allows positively charged potassium ions (K+) to flow into the hair cell, changing the membrane potential.
• The change in membrane potential is excitatory, meaning it generates an electrical signal that is transmitted to the brain.
• The movement of the cilia is responsible for pulling open the ion channels in the hair cells.
• The result of the movement of the cilia in the hair cells is the generation of an electrical signal that is transmitted to the brain, allowing us to hear.

Test your knowledge of the auditory system with this quiz on how soundwaves cause the movement of the basilar membrane and the activation of hair cell cilia. Explore the physiological processes involved in converting sound into electrical signals in the auditory system.