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GCSE Physics · key term
The fluid-filled structure in the inner ear where vibrations are converted into nerve signals.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.12P · Paper 1
Revise: Sound Conversion and HearingThe stirrup makes the fluid inside the cochlea vibrate. Different sound-sensitive hair cells in the cochlea respond best to different frequencies. Their movement produces nerve signals, which travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
Specification P5.1h, P5.1i · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)
A fluid-filled structure in the inner ear where vibrations stimulate sensory hair cells.
Revise: Conversion of wave disturbancesThe vibration then sets fluid in the cochlea moving. Sensory hair cells there respond to the movement and produce nerve signals, which travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound.
The spiral-shaped part of the inner ear in which vibrations stimulate sensory cells, leading to electrical signals in nerve cells.
Paper 1, Paper 2
The fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure in the inner ear where vibrations lead to electrical signals that can be carried to the brain.
Revise: Sound Waves and Human HearingThe eardrum moves three tiny, connected solid bones in the middle ear: the malleus, incus and stapes. These bones transmit and amplify the vibrations towards the fluid-filled cochlea of the inner ear.
For hearing, follow the pathway in order: ear canal → eardrum → ossicles → cochlea → auditory nerve.
When explaining hearing, give the sequence: air vibrates the eardrum, the middle-ear bones transmit the vibration, and the cochlea begins the conversion to an electrical signal.
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