hair cell

American  

noun

Biology.

1. an epithelial cell having hairlike processes, as that of the organ of Corti.

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hair cell Scientific  

1. A cell found in the organs of balance in the inner ear of mammals that senses the body's position with respect to gravity. Hair cells are found in both the semicircular canals and the vestibule.

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Etymology

Origin of hair cell

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Unlike eye surgery, which is common, operations aren’t often performed on the pliable bones and hair cell receptors of the middle ear, the source of natural hearing.

From Salon • Sep. 30, 2024

When each virus enters a hair cell and delivers its cargo, the fragments join.

From Science Magazine • Jan. 26, 2024

The gene therapy consists of a harmless virus carrying new otoferlin genes in two drops of liquid that are delicately injected down the length of the cochlea, delivering the genes to each hair cell.

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2024

Other scientists are working on hair cell regeneration to treat acquired hearing loss using stem cells and other strategies.

From Scientific American • Aug. 29, 2018

When no sound is present, and the stereocilia are standing straight, a small amount of tension still exists on the tethers, keeping the membrane potential of the hair cell slightly depolarized.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013