What is the organ of the Corti responsible for?

The organ of Corti is crucial for the process of hearing as it houses the sensory receptors that detect sound vibrations. Located within the cochlea of the inner ear, the organ of Corti contains hair cells, which are specialized sensory receptors. When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause the fluid inside to move, and this movement stimulates the hair cells within the organ of Corti. As the hair cells bend, they convert mechanical sound vibrations into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to perceive sound.

The other options do not accurately represent the primary role of the organ of Corti. While there are other structures in the ear involved in balance and sensory processing, the organ of Corti's primary function is strictly related to hearing.