Basilar membrane tension calculations for the gerbil cochlea
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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Immunolabeling and Counting Ribbon Synapses in Young Adult and Aged Gerbil Cochleae
Published on: April 21, 2022
Ram C Naidu1, David C Mountain
1Hearing Research Center Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
Abstract:
Anatomical studies suggest that the basilar membrane (BM) supports a radial tension, which is potentially important in cochlear mechanics. Assuming that the tension exists, we have calculated its magnitude from measurements of BM stiffness, longitudinal coupling, and geometry using a BM model. Results for the gerbil cochlea show that the tension decreases from the base to the apex of the cochlea and generates a tensile stress that is comparable in magnitude to the stress generated in other physiological systems. The model calculations are augmented by experiments that investigate the source of BM tension. The experimental results suggest that BM tension is maintained by the spiral ligament.
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