Force Transmission in the Organ of Corti Micromachine

摘要: Auditory discrimination is limited by the performance of cochlea whose acute sensitivity and frequency tuning are underpinned electromechanical feedback from outer hair cells. Two processes may underlie this feedback: voltage-driven contractility cell body active motion bundle. Either process must exert its mechanical effect via deformation organ Corti, a complex assembly sensory supporting cells riding on basilar membrane. Using finite element analysis, we present three-dimensional model to illustrate Corti two processes. The used available measurements properties structural components in low-frequency high-frequency regions rodent cochlea. simulations agreed well with cochlear partition stiffness, longitudinal space constant for point deflection, current injection, as displaying 20-fold increase passive resonant apex base. radial stiffness tectorial membrane attachment was found be crucial feedback. Despite substantial difference maximum force generated bundle somatic motility, mechanisms induced comparable amplitudes but differed polarity their position. Compared motor, motor more effective deforming than displacing