mureceptorer

A **mureceptorer** (short for "mural receptor") is a type of cell surface receptor found primarily in the inner ear, specifically within the cochlea of the mammalian auditory system. These receptors play a critical role in the transduction of mechanical vibrations into neural signals, enabling the perception of sound.

Mureceptor cells are specialized hair cells located along the basilar membrane of the cochlea. They are named for their close association with the "mural" (wall-like) structures of the inner ear. Each hair cell possesses stereocilia—tiny hair-like projections—that are arranged in a graded height pattern. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause fluid movement in the cochlea, bending these stereocilia. This mechanical deformation triggers a cascade of biochemical events, leading to the release of neurotransmitters that activate auditory nerve fibers.

The function of mureceptors is essential for hearing, as they convert acoustic stimuli into electrical signals that the brain can interpret. Damage to these cells, often due to noise exposure, aging, or genetic factors, can result in hearing loss. Research into mureceptor biology has contributed to advancements in cochlear implant technology, which bypasses damaged hair cells by directly stimulating auditory nerves.

Beyond hearing, mureceptor-like mechanisms have been studied in other sensory systems, though their primary role remains firmly established in auditory perception. Understanding their structure and function continues to be a key area of neuroscience and otology research.