Cell coupling in Corti's organ.
The mammalian organ of Corti is responsible for the initial analysis of sound; injury leads to hearing loss. During the last two decades, the characteristics of cellular coupling in this specialized epithelium have been studied. In this review, data on both electrical and mechanical coupling are covered. While electrical coupling likely contributes to homeostasis in the organ, this concept is far from proven.
Santos-Sacchi
J
J
Surgery (Otolaryngology) and Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. joseph.santos-sacchi@yale.edu
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000502:physiology*; D009925:Organ of Corti / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*