inner hair cells

Inner hair cells are specialized sensory cells located in the cochlea of the inner ear. They play a crucial role in hearing by converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. When sound waves travel through the ear, they cause tiny hair-like structures on these cells to move. This movement triggers electrical impulses, which the brain interprets as sound. Inner hair cells are essential for our ability to perceive and distinguish different sounds, making them vital for normal hearing.