What portion of the organ of cortitranduces sound energy into neural signals?

The hair cells in the organ of Corti are responsible for transducing sound energy into neural signals. Hair cells are specialized sensory cells that are located on the basilar membrane, a long, thin structure that runs through the length of the cochlea.

When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate. The different frequencies of sound waves cause different regions of the basilar membrane to vibrate. The hair cells that are located on these regions of the basilar membrane are then stimulated.

Each hair cell has a bundle of stereocilia, which are tiny hair-like structures. The stereocilia are connected to each other by a thin membrane called the tectorial membrane. When the stereocilia are bent, they open ion channels in the hair cell, which allows ions to flow into the cell. This influx of ions creates an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.

The location of the hair cells on the basilar membrane determines the frequency of sound that they are sensitive to. Hair cells that are located at the base of the cochlea are sensitive to high-frequency sounds, while hair cells that are located at the apex of the cochlea are sensitive to low-frequency sounds.

The transduction of sound energy into neural signals by hair cells is a complex process, but it is essential for our ability to hear. Without the hair cells in the organ of Corti, we would not be able to detect and interpret the sounds around us.