
Human and Biomimetic Sensors 83
Basilar Membrane
Hair
Cell
Tectorial
Membrane
Kinocilium
Stereocilia
FIGURE 3.8
Auditory sensory hair cells and their supporting structure. Parts adapted from
[1] and [2].
potential change in the hair cell. This change in membrane potential is pro-
portional to the direction and degree of displacement of the stereocilia with
respect to the kinocilium. Resulting action potentials of hair cells release
neurotransmitters across synapses to nerve fibers of the cochlear (auditory)
nerve. This information eventually reaches the auditory cortex.
Auditory Sensor Characteristics
Sound can be characterized by its amplitude (loudness) and ...