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Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of the Ear01:16

Anatomy of the Ear

Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...
Equilibrium and Balance01:15

Equilibrium and Balance

The inner ear assumes dual functionalities of auditory perception and equilibrium maintenance. The vestibule is the organ responsible for balance. This organ contains mechanoreceptors, specifically hair cells, endowed with stereocilia, which aid in deciphering information regarding the position and motion of our heads. Two intrinsic components, the utricle and saccule, help perceive head position, while the semicircular canals track head movement. Neurological messages initiated in the...
The Cochlea01:13

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
Hair Cells01:22

Hair Cells

Hair cells are the sensory receptors of the auditory system—they transduce mechanical sound waves into electrical energy that the nervous system can understand. Hair cells are located in the organ of Corti within the cochlea of the inner ear, between the basilar and tectorial membranes. The actual sensory receptors are called inner hair cells. The outer hair cells serve other functions, such as sound amplification in the cochlea, and are not discussed in detail here.
The Vestibular System01:29

The Vestibular System

The vestibular system is a set of inner ear structures that provide a sense of balance and spatial orientation. This system is comprised of structures within the labyrinth of the inner ear, including the cochlea and two otolith organs—the utricle and saccule. The labyrinth also contains three semicircular canals—superior, posterior, and horizontal—that are oriented on different planes.
Auditory Perception01:17

Auditory Perception

The auditory system is essential for sound perception, utilizing various critical structures. When sound waves enter the outer ear, they travel through the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted to the middle ear, where three tiny bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes – amplify the sound. This amplification is crucial, as it ensures that the sound vibrations are strong enough to be conveyed to the inner ear. These vibrations then reach the cochlea, a...

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Related Experiment Video

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In Ovo and Ex Ovo Methods to Study Avian Inner Ear Development
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Axon guidance in the inner ear.

Donna M Fekete1, Andrea M Campero

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906-2054, USA. dfekete@purdue.edu

The International Journal of Developmental Biology
|September 25, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) neurons navigate the inner ear using guidance cues. This review explores chemoattractants, repellents, and morphogens involved in directing otic axon pathfinding to sensory organs.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Otic Development

Background:

  • Statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) neurons innervate inner ear sensory organs.
  • SAG neurons originate from neuroblasts delaminating from the ventral otocyst.
  • Axon pathfinding is crucial for establishing neural connections in the developing ear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms guiding statoacoustic ganglion (SAG) neuron peripheral processes to their targets.
  • To explore the role of various guidance cues in otic axon pathfinding.
  • To synthesize current evidence on molecular mechanisms involved in inner ear innervation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on otic axon guidance.
  • Analysis of in vitro data on otic epithelium effects on SAG neurons.

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  • Examination of gene misexpression studies leading to ectopic hair cell innervation.

    • Main Results:

    • Evidence supports chemoattractant involvement in SAG axon pathfinding.
    • Otic epithelium exhibits trophic and tropic effects on the statoacoustic ganglion.
    • Candidate guidance molecules include neurotrophins, Semaphorins, Eph/ephrins, Slit/Robos, and morphogens.

    Conclusions:

    • Otic axon guidance is likely mediated by a combination of attractive and repulsive cues.
    • The precise sources of chemoattractants within the ear remain to be identified.
    • Further investigation into morphogen roles in otic axon guidance is warranted.