Outer hair cells: the inside story.
The neurobiology of hair cells is reviewed, including their transduction apparatus, the production and nature of receptor potentials, and the similarities and differences between inner hair cells and outer cells (OHCs). Intracellular recordings from hair cells in vivo are discussed. This is followed by a consideration of effects of OHC lesions and consequent notions about OHC functions. Feedback in the cochlea is then considered, and the role of OHCs as the feedback element is examined, along with putative means of producing the feedback.
Dallos
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Auditory Physiology Laboratory, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
D000818:Animals; D001489:Basilar Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology*; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000502:physiology*