Definition of Stereocilia (inner ear)
In the inner ear, stereocilia are the mechanosensing organelles of hair cells, which respond to fluid motion in numerous types of animals for various functions, including hearing and balance. They are about 10–50 micrometers in length and share some similar features of microvilli. The hair cells transduces fluid pressure and other mechanical stimuli into electric stimuli via the many microvilli that make up stereocilia rods. Stereocilia exist in the auditory and vestibular systems.
Terms mentioned above
Related terms
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Frequently asked questions
What is Stereocilia (inner ear)?
In the inner ear, stereocilia are the mechanosensing organelles of hair cells, which respond to fluid motion in numerous types of animals for various functions, including hearing and balance.
Sources & credits
- Wikipedia: Stereocilia (inner ear) – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Bechara Kachar – Public domain