Tectorial membrane

Definition

The tectorial membrane is a gel-like structure located within the cochlea of the inner ear, playing a crucial role in the process of hearing by interacting with hair cells to convert mechanical sound vibrations into nerve impulses. It sits atop the organ of Corti, making contact with the stereocilia (hair cell projections) to facilitate auditory transduction.

Related terms

Cochlea: The spiral-shaped cavity forming part of the inner ear, which converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses.

Stereocilia: Small hairlike projections on top of hair cells within the inner ear that respond to fluid motion caused by sound vibrations for hearing.

Auditory Transduction: The process by which sound waves are transformed into electrical signals in the auditory nerve, enabling perception of sound