Foetal inner ear hair cells. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of hair cells in the organ of Corti of a foetus. This delicate structure in the cochlea of the inner ear converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses. The three rows of outer hair cells have V-shaped groups of stereocilia, each with a central kinocilium. In the foetus they are surrounded by numerous microvilli (grey), which are resorbed in the adult. The hair cells are surrounded by endolymph fluid. As sound enters the ear it causes waves to form in the endolymph, which in turn cause these hairs to move. The movement is converted into nerve impulses that are passed to the brain. Magnification: x5000 when printed 10 centimetres wide