The outer hair cells act as amplifiers for the inner hair cells, increasing their sensitivity to sound and sharpening their response. They do this by changing their own length and stiffness in response to the sound waves they detect. They do not initiate auditory transduction, which is the job of the inner hair cells with their stereocilia.

Solved

The Outer Hair Cells

Question 22

Multiple Choice

The outer hair cells

A) lack stereocilia unlike the inner hair cells.
B) amplify and sharpen the responses of the inner hair cells.
C) are responsible for auditory transduction.

Correct Answer: