Supporting Cells–a New Area in Cochlear Physiology Study

For many years, studies about the cochlea have been mainly focused on sensory cells, i.e. the inner hair cell(IHC) and outer hair cell (OHC), and the neuron system. Supporting cells, such as Hensen’s cells and Deiters’ cells are less studied. Their physiological functions and other characteristics are not well documented. Nowadays, supporting cells are a new world attracting to scientists' interests. The scope of this review is to detail the biological properties of the supporting cells, mainly Hensen’s cells and Deiters’ cells in the cochlea. Studies on this subject will be helpful in understanding physiology of the cochlea, and hopefully provide new approaches in treating diseases of inner ear.