Cochlea The cochlea is the auditory portion of the inner ear and is shaped like a snail shell. It houses the organ of Corti and hair cells.

The cochlea resembles the shape of a snail shell with 2.5 turns.

In the lower turn of the cochlea there are two windows; the oval and the round window. The footplate of the stirrup is attached to the oval window and functions as a piston moving the fluid of the inner air. This movement of the fluid activates the hair cells in the inner ear.

Running the entire length of the cochlea is the basilar membrane on which the hair cells are located. The membrane has an approximate length of 30 mm.

The hair cells are arranged in rows along the basilar membrane. One row of inner hair cells and three rows of outer hair cells. The hair cells make up the central part of the organ of Corti.

SEE ALSO:

Organ of Corti

Hair cells

Inner ear

Hearing

Hearing, a tour of the ear