Identifying Key Structure in Auditory System

Sound waves travel through the air and reach our ears, where they are transformed into signals that our brains interpret as sound. The auditory system plays a crucial role in how we perceive different sounds, such as music, speech, and environmental noises. Understanding how this system works can illuminate the intricate nature of human perception.

Which of the following structures in the auditory system is primarily responsible for converting sound waves into neural impulses that can be interpreted by the brain?