Question

Which part of the human ear converts pressure variations into electrical signals?

• A. Eustachian tube
• B. Auditory nerve
• C. Ear drum
• D. Cochlea

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Cochlea

When the pressure variations strike the ear, they find their way through the external auditory canal to the tympanic membrane, setting it into vibration. The signal is thus converted to mechanical vibrations in solid matter. These vibrations of the tympanic membrane are transmitted to the ossicles, which in turn transmit them to the cochlea. Here, the signal undergoes a second change of nature, being converted into pressure variations within the liquid. These are then transformed again by specialised hair cells, which convert the liquid waves into nervous signals. Inside the cochlea, the tectorial membrane moves along with the pressure variations of the cochlear fluid. This membrane is in contact with the cilia on the top of the hair cells. There are two kinds of hair cells. The outer hair cells are the actual receptors. When the tectorial membrane moves, so does the hair on the outer cells. This movement is then encoded into electrical signals and goes to the brain through the cochlear nerve.