cochlea

(noun)

the complex, spirally coiled, tapered cavity of the inner ear in which sound vibrations are converted into nerve impulses

Related Terms

Examples of cochlea in the following topics:

  • Transduction of Sound

    • The vibrations of the oval window create pressure waves in the fluid (perilymph) inside the cochlea.
    • Inside the cochlea, the basilar membrane is a mechanical analyzer that runs the length of the cochlea, curling toward the cochlea’s center.
    • Vibrations travel up the fluid-filled interior of the cochlea.
    • The basilar membrane that lines the cochlea gets continuously thinner toward the apex of the cochlea.
    • In the cross section of the cochlea (top right figure), note that in addition to the upper canal and lower canal, the cochlea also has a middle canal.

  • Human Axial Skeleton

    • The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea.