What is the function of hair cells in the organ of Corti?

The primary function of hair cells in the organ of Corti is to detect and transmit auditory stimuli. These specialized sensory cells are critical for the conversion of mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. Located within the cochlea of the inner ear, hair cells possess tiny hair-like structures called stereocilia that bend in response to fluid movement caused by sound waves. When these stereocilia bend, they open ion channels, allowing the flow of ions that generates an electrical impulse. This impulse travels along the auditory nerve to the brain, where it is processed as sound. Thus, the hair cells play a vital role in hearing by detecting sound and relaying the information for further processing.