What is the role of the cochlea in hearing?

The cochlea plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by transforming sound vibrations into electrical signals. This structure is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled organ located in the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause vibrations in the eardrum and ossicles, which then transmit these vibrations to the cochlea.

Inside the cochlea, these mechanical vibrations create waves in the fluid, stimulating the hair cells along the basilar membrane. When these hair cells move, they generate electrical impulses that are then transmitted to the auditory nerve, which sends these signals to the brain for processing. This conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy is essential for the perception of sound, allowing us to interpret different pitches and volumes.

In terms of the other choices, amplifying sound waves primarily involves the outer and middle ear structures. The inner ear does have some protective mechanisms, but that is not the primary function of the cochlea, and balance regulation is the responsibility of the vestibular system, which is separate from the cochlea.