Three-dimensional tonotopic mapping of the human cochlea based on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging.

ABSTRACT: The human cochlea transforms sound waves into electrical signals in the acoustic nerve fibers with high acuity. This transformation occurs via vibrating anisotropic membranes (basilar and tectorial membranes) and frequency-specific hair cell receptors. Frequency-positions can be mapped within the cochlea to create a tonotopic chart which fits an almost-exponential function with lowest frequencies positioned apically and highest frequencies positioned at the cochlear base (Bekesy 1960, Greenwood 1961). To date, models of frequency positions have been based on a two-dimensional analysis with inaccurate representations of the cochlear hook region. In the present study, the first three-dimensional frequency analysis of the cochlea using dendritic mapping to obtain accurate tonotopic maps of the human basilar membrane/organ of Corti and the spiral ganglion was performed. A novel imaging technique, synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging, was used and a spiral ganglion frequency function was estimated by nonlinear least squares fitting a Greenwood-like function (F?=?A (10^ax - K)) to the data. The three-dimensional tonotopic data presented herein has large implications for validating electrode position and creating customized frequency maps for cochlear implant recipients.

SUBMITTER: Li H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7904830 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature