IHC-TM connect-disconnect and efferent control V.
Four previous papers in this series have explored how the idea of a set of disconnected inner hair cells (IHCs) that can "impact" the tectorial membrane (TM) is consistent with psychophysical data. This paper extends the model and explores the potential for mechanical interaction between the IHCs and outer hair cells (OHCs). In particular, it is speculated that the advantage of IHC-TM disconnect is extended dynamic range, and that movement of the movement of the OHCs and TM, under efferent control, constitutes a mechanical servo system for adjusting IHC-TM spacing along the cochlear partition to achieve this extended range.
D000344:Afferent Pathways; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology*; D004525:Efferent Pathways; D006198:Hair Cells, Auditory / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006199:Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009068:Movement; D011930:Reaction Time; D013680:Tectorial Membrane / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*