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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]

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Psychology term of the day

December 19th 2024

TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome

a disorder of muscles operating the lower jaw at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) just in front of the ear. The condition—which may be due to tension or stress, arthritis, dislocation or other injury, or a tumor—is often marked by facial pain, limited jaw movement, and clicking of the jaw during movement.