Figure. 1.1.11 Sensory hair cells in the ear. Color SEM of hair cells in the cochlea, the inner ear’s auditory
sense organ. The crescent-shaped areas across the center are numerous stereocilia, and are located on top
of supporting hair cells. Sound waves entering the inner ear displace the fluid that surrounds the stereocilia,
causing them to bend. This triggers a response in the hair cells, which release neurotransmitter chemicals
that generate nerve impulses. The nerve impulses travel to the brain along the auditory nerve. This process
can transmit information about the loudness and pitch of a sound. Magnification: ×2,000 when printed 10
cm wide (visual photos)