Question

______ are attached to the tectorial membrane.

A) Inner hair cells
B) Outer hair cells
C) The auditory nerves
D) Both inner and outer hair cells

Answer 1

Both inner and outer hair cells are attached to the tectorial membrane in the auditory system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct option is D) Both inner and outer hair cells.

The tectorial membrane is a gel-like structure located above the hair cells in the organ of Corti, which is part of the cochlea in the auditory system. The inner and outer hair cells are attached to the tectorial membrane. The stereocilia of the outer hair cells specifically attach to the tectorial membrane.

Answer 2

The outer hair cells are the ones attached to the tectorial membrane, playing a role in the conversion of sound waves into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.

The correct answer is B) Outer hair cells

Step-by-step explanation:

The outer hair cells are the ones attached to the tectorial membrane. The organ of Corti in the inner ear contains the hair cells essential for hearing. The inner hair cells are the primary auditory receptors, which don't attach to but contact or extend into dimples on the tectorial membrane's lower surface, functioning mainly in sound transduction. In contrast, the stereocilia from the outer hair cells actually attach to the tectorial membrane. The tectorial membrane vibrates in response to sound waves, which stimulates the cilia on the hair cells, leading to the conversion of sound waves into electrical signals that the brain interprets as sound.