Question

fill in the blank question

while hearing is primarily a function of the inner hair cells, cochlear tuning is a function of the blank hair cells.

Explanation:

Identify the physiological roles of hair cells

In the Organ of Corti (also known as the Spiral Organ), there are two main types of sensory receptors: inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs).

Analyze the function of inner hair cells

Inner hair cells are responsible for sending auditory signals to the brain via the cochlear nerve. They provide nearly all of our primary hearing sensation.

Analyze the function of outer hair cells

Outer hair cells function as an active amplifier and are responsible for cochlear tuning. They physically contract and change length in response to sound, which sharpens the frequency tuning of the basilar membrane, allowing us to discriminate between different pitches.

Answer:

While hearing is primarily a function of the inner hair cells, cochlear tuning is a function of the <blank>outer</blank> hair cells.