What structure in the cochlea of the ear is primarily responsible for hearing?

The structure primarily responsible for hearing in the cochlea is the Organ of Corti. This specialized organ contains hair cells, which are the sensory receptors for sound. When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate. These vibrations lead to the deflection of the hair cells within the Organ of Corti, initiating the process of converting mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

The Organ of Corti sits atop the basilar membrane and is lined with thousands of hair cells that contain tiny hair-like projections called stereocilia. When the hair cells are stimulated by the movement of the fluid within the cochlea, they fire signals that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain, where sound is perceived.

Understanding the functions surrounding the other structures enhances comprehension. The basilar membrane is crucial as it supports the Organ of Corti, but it does not directly perform the function of hearing. The cochlear duct houses the endolymph and helps in the fluid dynamics within the cochlea, contributing to sound wave transduction but not being responsible itself for hearing. The auditory nerve carries the signals from the Organ of Corti to the brain, but it is the Organ of Corti that actually detects sound