organ of Corti

a specialized structure that sits on the basilar membrane within the cochlea in the inner ear. It contains the hair cells (the sensory receptors for hearing), their nerve endings, and supporting cells. See also Deiters cells; tectorial membrane. [Alfonso Corti (1822–1876), Italian anatomist]

Browse dictionary by letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Psychology term of the day

April 19th 2024

chelation

n. the formation of chemical bonds between a metal ion and two or more nonmetallic ions. It can be used to remove certain types of ions from biological reactions or from the body, as in the removal of lead or mercury from the body by use of chelating agents.