Final answer:
The bending of the stereocilia on inner hair cells in response to sound leads to the opening of ion channels, causing the cells to depolarize and release neurotransmitters that send auditory signals to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bending of the cilia of the inner hair cells causes a release of small bursts of neurotransmitters. The stereocilia of the inner hair cells react to sound by bending, which occurs due to pressure waves causing the basilar membrane to flex. This bending opens up ion channels in the cell membranes, resulting in depolarization and the triggering of nerve impulses. These nerve impulses then travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, thereby transmitting auditory information. The precise bending of the stereocilia towards the tallest or shortest member of their array leads to the opening or closing of these channels and regulates the membrane potential of hair cells, crucial for detecting the intensity of sound.