What is the role of hair cells in the auditory pathway?

Hair cells play a crucial role in the auditory pathway as sensory receptors located in the cochlea of the inner ear. Their primary function is to detect sound vibrations. When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause fluid within to move, leading to the bending of the hair cells' stereocilia. This mechanical movement generates electrical signals that are crucial for sound perception.

These signals are then transmitted to the auditory nerve, which carries the information to higher auditory centers in the brain for processing. Thus, the ability of hair cells to detect sound vibrations is fundamental for converting physical sound waves into the neural signals needed for hearing.

The other options describe functions not directly served by hair cells. Converting electrical signals to sound pertains to the opposite process, while filtering sound frequencies is typically associated with the auditory system's processing rather than the hair cells themselves. Transmitting sound signals to the cortex involves the pathways and structures that carry the information after it has been detected and transformed by hair cells.