Whole Mouse Cochlea (IMAGE) Washington University School of Medicine Caption These are images of mouse cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for turning mechanical vibrations of sound waves into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. The normal mouse cochlea (left) has continuous rows of sensory hair cells. The cochlea of mice missing FGF20 (right) have gaps in the rows of hair cells. This abnormal structure results in profound deafness. Credit David M. Ornitz, MD, PhD Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.