What connects the stereocilia in a hair bundle?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tip links are protein filaments that attach from the tip of one stereocilium to the side of its adjacent taller stereocilium, connecting them and allowing for the coordinated opening and closing of ion channels in response to sound stimuli. Calcium channels and outer hair cells are also involved in auditory transduction, but they do not directly connect the stereocilia in the hair bundle. Spiral ligaments are part of the cochlear spiral and play a role in maintaining the fluid environment of the inner ear.

What Connects the Stereocilia in a Hair Bundle