Definition of cocaine. : a bitter crystalline alkaloid C17H21NO4 obtained from coca leaves that is used especially in the form of its hydrochloride medically as a topical anesthetic and illicitly for its euphoric effects and that may result in a compulsive psychological need.
The inner hair cells transform the sound vibrations in the fluids of the cochlea into electrical signals that are then relayed via the auditory nerve to the auditory brainstem and to the auditory cortex.
As previously mentioned, the cochlea is the organ that enables sound perception. The physiology of the cochlea revolves around the functioning of the inner and outer cochlea hair cells. In addition to the cells themselves, there are several other components of the cochlea that contribute to the ability to hear.