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A model of high-frequency force generation in the constrained cochlear outer hair cell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The cochlear outer hair cell (OHC) has a unique property of electromotility, which is critically important for the sensitivity and frequency selectivity during the mammalian hearing process. The underlying mechanism could be better understood by examining the force generated by the OHC as a feedback to vibration of the basilar membrane. In this study, we propose a model to analyze the effect of the constraints imposed on OHC on the cell’s high-frequency active force generated in vitro and in vivo. The OHC is modeled as a viscoelastic and piezoelectric cylindrical shell coupled with viscous intracellular and extracellular fluids, and the constraint is represented by a spring with adjustable stiffness. We found that constrained OHC can achieve a much higher corner frequency than free OHC, depending on the stiffness of the constraint. We also analyzed cases in which the stiffness of the constraint was similar to that of the basilar membrane, reticular lamina, and tectorial membrane and found that the force per unit transmembrane potential generated by the OHC can be constant up to several tens of kHz.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAuditory Mechanisms
Subtitle of host publicationProcesses and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium
EditorsAlfred L. Nuttall, Tianying Ren, Peter Gillespie, Karl Grosh, Egbert de Boer
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co. Pte Ltd
Pages202-209
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9812568247, 9789812568243
StatePublished - 2005
Event9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005 - Portland, United States
Duration: Jul 23 2005Jul 28 2005

Publication series

NameAuditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models - Proceedings of the 9th International Symposium

Conference

Conference9th International Mechanics of Hearing Workshop on Auditory Mechanisms: Processes and Models, MoH 2005
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period7/23/057/28/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering

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