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Related Concept Videos

Hair Cells01:22

Hair Cells

41.1K
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.
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The Cochlea01:13

The Cochlea

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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.
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Auditory Pathway01:15

Auditory Pathway

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Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
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Anatomy of the Ear01:16

Anatomy of the Ear

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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...
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G-Protein Gated Ion Channels01:21

G-Protein Gated Ion Channels

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GPCRs are primarily responsible for our sense of smell, taste, and vision.  The binding of a sensory stimulus activates GPCR to stimulate effector proteins, many of which are ion channels in the sensory organs. GPCRs modulate the opening and closing of the target ion channels either directly by binding them, or by releasing second messengers that activate these channels. As ions move across the membrane, the membrane potential is altered, which induces an appropriate response.
Sensory...
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Hearing01:31

Hearing

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When we hear a sound, our nervous system is detecting sound waves—pressure waves of mechanical energy traveling through a medium. The frequency of the wave is perceived as pitch, while the amplitude is perceived as loudness.
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Expression of the P2X1 receptor remains in the type II spiral ganglion neurons in the mature rat cochlea.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2025

Dextran Labeling and Uptake in Live and Functional Murine Cochlear Hair Cells
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Dextran Labeling and Uptake in Live and Functional Murine Cochlear Hair Cells

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Purinergic Signalling in the Cochlea.

Srdjan M Vlajkovic1, Peter R Thorne1,2

  • 1Department of Physiology and The Eisdell Moore Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 11, 2022
PubMed
Summary

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) signaling regulates hearing adaptation and cochlear development. Targeting adenosine receptors shows promise for preventing hearing loss and protecting the cochlea from injury.

Keywords:
ATPP2X receptorsP2Y receptorsadenosineadenosine receptorscochleaectonucleotidaseshearing loss

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Area of Science:

  • Auditory Neuroscience
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • The mammalian cochlea's intricate structure supports hearing functions.
  • Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release influences cochlear physiology via P2 receptors.
  • Extracellular ATP is modulated by ectonucleotidases, producing adenosine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of purinergic signaling in cochlear function and adaptation.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting adenosine receptors for hearing protection.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of P2X and P2Y receptor involvement in cochlear development and function.
  • Examination of ectonucleotidase activity and adenosine receptor signaling pathways.
  • Assessment of adenosine receptor agonism/antagonism in cochlear injury models.

Main Results:

  • P2X2 receptors are critical for adaptive responses to loud sounds.
  • Adenosine receptors (A1 and A2A) mediate cochlear responses to stress and injury.
  • Modulation of adenosine levels and receptor activity impacts cochlear protection.

Conclusions:

  • Purinergic signaling, particularly involving ATP and adenosine, is vital for cochlear homeostasis and adaptation.
  • Targeting adenosine A1 and A2A receptors offers a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing hearing loss and cochlear damage.