What does the cochlea do?

The cochlea is a vital component of the inner ear responsible for converting sound waves into nerve signals that can be interpreted by the brain. It resembles a spiral-shaped structure and is filled with fluid. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the fluid within the cochlea to move. This movement stimulates tiny hair cells located in the cochlea, which then generate electrical signals. These signals travel along the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are processed as sound.

The other options refer to functions that are associated with auditory processes but are not specifically the role of the cochlea. For instance, sound amplification typically occurs in the outer and middle ear before sound reaches the cochlea. Balance stabilization is primarily managed by the vestibular system, which includes structures like the semicircular canals. Sound filtering is more related to how the ear structures shape the sounds we hear rather than the primary function of the cochlea itself.