Modelling of the inner ear mechanics and experimental characterization of its mechanical properties

Torsten Marquardt (primary)
Ear Institute
University College London
Núria Gavara (secondary)
Bioengineering
Queen Mary, University of London

Abstract

After almost a century of modern research, the details of the mechanical excitation of the inner ear remain controversial (e.g. [1]). The main reason is the inaccessibility of this intricate biomechanical apparatus to obtain in-vivo experimental data from fully sensitive specimen. Computational modelling has therefore been historically an integral part of this research field (reviewed in [2]). Recent technological developments allow the reliable mechanical characterization of the micro-scale structures within the hearing organ (e.g. [3]). The project will combine finite-element modelling (e.g. [4], [5]) of the cochlear vibrations with experimental measurements of missing parameter values from fresh cochlear tissue.


References

  1. Van der Heijden M, Versteegh CPC. Energy Flux in the Cochlea: Evidence Against Power Amplification of the Traveling Wave. JARO: Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology. 2015;16(5):581-597. doi:10.1007/s10162-015-0529-5.
  2. Lighthill J. Energy flow in the cochlea. J Fluid Mech. 1981;106:149–213. doi: 10.1017/S0022112081001560.
  3. Gavara N, Chadwick RS (2009) Collagen-Based Mechanical Anisotropy of the Tectorial Membrane: Implications for Inter-Row Coupling of Outer Hair Cell Bundles. PLoS ONE 4(3): e4877. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004877
  4. Liu, Y., Gracewski, S. M. & Nam, J. H. (2015) Consequences of location-dependent organ of corti micro-mechanics. PLoS ONE 10, e0133284
  5. Ni, G., Elliott, J., & Baumgart, J. (2016). Finite-element model of the active organ of Corti., 13(115). do: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0913

BBSRC Area
Animal disease, health and welfare
Area of Biology
PhysiologyStructural Biology
Techniques & Approaches
BiophysicsMicroscopy / ElectrophysiologySimulation / Modelling