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Stereocilia in ear, SEM
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Stereocilia in ear, SEM
Stereocilia in ear. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of stereocilia (yellow) in a healthy inner ear. The inner ear converts sound waves into nerve impulses by stimulation of the stereocilia, which project from the ends of sensory hair cells. Sound waves entering the inner ear displace the fluid that surrounds the stereocilia, causing the stereocilia to bend. This bending causes the release of neurotransmitter chemicals, which generate nerve impulses that travel to the brain along the auditory nerve. The inner ear can transmit information about the loudness and pitch of a sound. Magnification: x2185 at 6x7cm size
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Media ID 6422474
© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Auditory Sense Cochlea Hair Hairs Hearing Organ Of Corti Sensory Stereocilia Stereocilium Transducer Cells
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This print showcases the intricate beauty of stereocilia in a healthy inner ear. Colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM) technology allows us to witness the remarkable details of these sensory structures, which play a crucial role in our ability to hear. Stereocilia are tiny hair-like projections that extend from the ends of sensory hair cells within the inner ear. When sound waves enter this delicate organ, they displace the surrounding fluid and cause the stereocilia to bend. This bending triggers a cascade of events, leading to the release of neurotransmitter chemicals and ultimately generating nerve impulses that travel along the auditory nerve to our brain. Through this complex process, our ears not only detect sound but also transmit information about its loudness and pitch. The magnified view at 2185 times reveals an awe-inspiring network of multiple stereocilia working together as transducers – converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals for our auditory sense. Understanding these microscopic structures is essential for comprehending how we perceive sound and appreciate its nuances. This image serves as a testament to both the intricacy of human anatomy and scientific advancements in visualizing it.
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