The membrane in the cochlea that runs through it and contains the hair cells is called the basilar membrane. Key points about the basilar membrane and hair cells:
- The basilar membrane extends along the cochlea and forms the base on which the hair cells sit.
- The organ of Corti, the sensory organ of hearing, is located on top of the basilar membrane.
- The hair cells—both inner and outer types—are embedded in the organ of Corti atop the basilar membrane.
- Hair cells have stereocilia that respond to sound vibrations transmitted via the basilar membrane.
- The basilar membrane vibrates in response to sound waves, stimulating the hair cells to convert mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals for the brain.
- It is tonotopically organized, meaning different parts respond to different frequencies, with high frequencies at the base and low frequencies at the apex of the cochlea.
Thus, the basilar membrane is the membrane that runs through the cochlea and contains the hair cells essential for hearing.