99.5k views
1 vote
Which of the following is INCORRECT about kinocillium?

A. Tallest hair cell
B. Born with and dies away
C. In auditory system
D. In vestibular system
E. Makes hearing sensitive

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The incorrect statement about kinocilium is that it 'makes hearing sensitive.' Kinocilium is present in the vestibular system but is not involved in the auditory system of mammals; therefore, it does not contribute to hearing sensitivity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The incorrect statement about kinocilium is that it 'makes hearing sensitive' (E). Kinocilium is a specialized type of hair cell that was once thought to be present in the auditory system of mammals but is now understood to be absent. It is, however, present in the vestibular system of vertebrates, including humans, where it plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation.

The tallest hair cell in the vestibular system's sensory epithelium is the kinocilium, and it is indeed born with an individual and degenerates over time (B). However, because the kinocilium is not part of the mammalian auditory system (D), it does not play a role in making hearing sensitive. The confusion here may arise from the fact that stereocilia, which are different from kinocilia, are part of both the auditory and vestibular systems (D) and are involved in the sensation of sound and balance, respectively.

User Jayson Lane
by
8.4k points