hajszálsejteket

Hair cells, known as hajszálsejtek in Hungarian, are sensory receptor cells found in the inner ear that are responsible for hearing and balance. They are named for the fine, hair-like projections called stereocilia that extend from their apical surface. These stereocilia are crucial for their function, as they bend in response to mechanical stimuli, such as sound waves or changes in head position. This bending triggers a change in the electrical potential of the hair cell, which in turn signals nerve impulses to the brain.

In the cochlea, the auditory portion of the inner ear, hair cells are organized into rows. Different hair cells respond to different frequencies of sound. When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause vibrations that move the fluid within the cochlea. This fluid movement displaces the stereocilia on the hair cells, allowing us to perceive a wide range of sounds. In the vestibular system, which governs balance, hair cells are found in structures called the semicircular canals and otolith organs. Here, they detect movements of the head and changes in gravity, providing information about our body's position in space. Damage to hair cells, which are not typically regenerated in mammals, can lead to hearing loss or balance disorders.