What does the cochlea specifically do in the ear?

The cochlea plays a crucial role in the auditory system, specifically by converting sound waves into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain. This process begins when sound waves enter the cochlea, causing the fluid inside it to move. The movement of this fluid stimulates tiny hair cells located within the cochlear structure. These hair cells then generate electrical impulses that travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are processed as sound. This transformation of mechanical sound waves into electrical signals is essential for hearing, making the cochlea integral to our ability to perceive sound.

In contrast, the other functions listed do not accurately describe the cochlea. Sound amplification mainly occurs in the outer and middle ear structures, while sound filtering is typically associated with the brain's processing of auditory information, not the cochlea itself. Additionally, the stabilization of balance is governed by the vestibular system, which is separate from the cochlea's auditory function.