Page 947 - Atlas of Histology with Functional Correlations

to the afferent axons. The deflections of the stereocilia on the hair cells

convert this mechanical displacement into nerve impulses, resulting in
transmitting the auditory information to the brain.

Impulses for sound pass along the afferent axons of bipolar ganglion
cells located in the spiral ganglia of the inner ear. The axons from the spiral
ganglia form the auditory (cochlear) nerve, which carries the auditory

stimuli from the cells in the organ of Corti to the brain for sound
interpretation.

VESTIBULAR APPARATUS

The vestibular apparatus consists of the utricle, saccule, and semicircular
canals. These sensitive organs respond to linear or angular accelerations or

movements of the head. Sensory inputs from the vestibular apparatus initiate
the very complex neural pathways that activate specific skeletal muscles that
correct balance and equilibrium and restore the body to its normal position.

Summary

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