Where is the organ of Corti located?

The organ of Corti is located in the center part of the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear. This organ is crucial for hearing as it contains hair cells that convert sound vibrations into neural signals. The placement of the organ of Corti within the cochlea enables it to respond to the fluid movements created by sound waves entering the cochlea, allowing for the perception of sound frequencies.

The other areas mentioned do not contain the organ of Corti. The outer ear canal is primarily responsible for directing sound waves toward the eardrum, the middle ear cavity houses the ossicles (the tiny bones that help amplify sound), and the area around the oval window is where sound vibrations enter the cochlea but does not house the organ of Corti itself. Therefore, recognizing the organ of Corti's specific location within the cochlea is essential for understanding its role in the auditory process.