Final answer:
Inner ear hair cells are essential for hearing, transforming sound vibrations into neural signals, with inner hair cells relaying most auditory information to the brain. The basilar membrane's vibration pattern reflects different sound frequencies, which are interpreted via the place theory to determine pitch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's query appears to be a mix-up, as inner ear hair cells are not directly involved with the hypercapnic respiratory response; they are primarily responsible for hearing and balance. However, to clarify the function of hair cells in the auditory system, hair cells in the inner ear are crucial for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. Inner hair cells relay most of the auditory information to the brain, with about 90% of afferent neurons connected to them. Outer hair cells serve to tune and amplify the sound signals received by the inner hair cells.
When sound waves produce fluid waves in the cochlea, the basilar membrane is set into motion, with different points vibrating depending on the frequency of the sound. This motion causes the hair cells atop the membrane to bend and generate action potentials, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve. High frequencies vibrate the region near the entrance of the cochlea, while low frequencies travel further along.
The place theory is used to explain this pitch detection mechanism, highlighting that the stimulation location along the basilar membrane determines the pitch perceived. The ear employs a 'sharpening' mechanism to enhance pitch resolution, which helps to explain the remarkable sensitivity of human hearing.