Cochleære

Cochleare, also known as the cochlea, is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure located in the inner ear. It plays a crucial role in the sense of hearing. The cochlea is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. It is named after its resemblance to a snail's shell, with three turns in humans.

The cochlea is composed of several parts. The scala vestibuli and scala tympani are two fluid-filled chambers that run along the length of the cochlea. The scala media, the central chamber, contains the organ of Corti, which is essential for hearing. The organ of Corti contains hair cells that are sensitive to sound vibrations. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate, which in turn causes the three tiny bones of the middle ear (the malleus, incus, and stapes) to vibrate. These vibrations are transmitted to the fluid in the cochlea, causing the basilar membrane to vibrate. The hair cells on the organ of Corti then convert these vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.

The cochlea is highly specialized and sensitive to different frequencies of sound. The base of the cochlea is sensitive to high frequencies, while the apex is sensitive to low frequencies. This allows for the perception of a wide range of sounds. Damage to the cochlea can result in hearing loss, which can be caused by various factors such as loud noises, aging, or certain medical conditions. Treatment options for cochlear damage include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and in some cases, surgery.