Question

Which of the following cells in the inner ear are involved in detecting movements of the head?

(A) Hair cells in the maculae
(B) Outer pillar cells
(C) Inner pillar cells
(D) CellsofHensen
(E) Hair cells in the organ of Corti

Answer 1

The hair cells in the maculae are involved in detecting movements of the head in the inner ear.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cells in the inner ear that are involved in detecting movements of the head are the hair cells in the maculae.

The maculae are composed of hair cells surrounded by support cells. The stereocilia of the hair cells extend into a viscous gel called the otolithic membrane. When the head moves or tilts, the otolithic membrane slides over the macula in the direction of gravity, causing the stereocilia to bend.

The bending of the stereocilia results in the depolarization of some hair cells and the hyperpolarization of others. This pattern of hair-cell depolarization is interpreted by the brain to determine the exact position of the head.