Mechanoelectrical transduction

Mechanoelectrical transduction is the process by which mechanical stimuli, such as sound waves or vibrations, are converted into electrical signals that our nervous system can interpret. In the ear, tiny hair cells in the cochlea detect vibrations caused by sound. When these hairs bend in response to mechanical movement, they open ion channels, allowing electrical signals to generate. These signals travel along nerves to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound. Essentially, it’s the transformation of physical mechanical energy into electrical impulses that enable our senses to detect and interpret mechanical stimuli.