The correct option is Organ of Corti.
Explanation
The human ear is divided into three sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. While the outer and middle ears are primarily responsible for collecting and transmitting sound waves, the inner ear contains the sensory organs responsible for hearing (auditory transduction) and balance.
Option Analysis
- Organ of Corti: Correct. The Organ of Corti is the sensory structure located on the basilar membrane within the cochlea of the inner ear. It contains hair cells that act as auditory receptors. When sound vibrations reach the cochlea, they cause the fluid inside to move, bending the hair cells against the tectorial membrane. This mechanical deformation converts (transduces) sound vibrations into neural signals (action potentials), which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.
- External acoustic meatus: Incorrect. The external acoustic meatus (ear canal) is part of the outer ear. Its primary function is to conduct sound waves from the pinna to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). It does not perform signal transduction.
- Malleus: Incorrect. The malleus is one of the three ear ossicles (bones) located in the middle ear. It is attached to the tympanic membrane and transmits mechanical vibrations to the incus. Its role is mechanical amplification and transmission, not neural conversion.
- Pinna: Incorrect. The pinna is the visible cartilaginous part of the outer ear. It functions to collect sound waves from the environment and direct them into the external acoustic meatus.
Key Takeaway: The Organ of Corti is the specific organ of hearing located within the cochlea that acts as a transducer, converting mechanical sound vibrations into electrical neural impulses.