Question

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding the vestibular system?

A. Semicircular canals respond to rotational accelerations of the head and are in a gelatinous mass called a cupula
B. The vestibular labyrinth regulates electrochemical impulses of hair cells
C. Sterocila are your tallest hair cells and kinocilium are your shortest hair cells
D. The utricle and saccule respond to linear accelerations of the head and static head position relative to a gravitational axis
E. In your otilith organs, half of your hair cells depolarize and the other half hyperpolarize when you move

Answer 1

The false statement regarding the vestibular system is that stereocilia are the tallest hair cells and kinocilium are the shortest, which is incorrect since the kinocilium is actually the tallest.

Step-by-step explanation:

The FALSE statement regarding the vestibular system is: C. Stereocilia are your tallest hair cells and kinocilium are your shortest hair cells. In reality, stereocilia are hairlike extensions found on the hair cells within the vestibular system that vary in length, with the tallest being called kinocilium and the rest being shorter stereocilia. The vestibular system includes the semicircular canals, which respond to rotational accelerations of the head within a gelatinous mass called a cupula, and the otolith organs (utricle and saccule), which respond to linear accelerations and static head position relative to gravity. The vestibular labyrinth regulates the excitation of hair cells due to head movements and orientation. When the head moves, half of the hair cells depolarize, and the other half hyperpolarize, which allows the brain to process directional changes and maintain balance.