Final answer:
The hair cells of the spiral organ of Corti are positioned on the basilar membrane. These cells play a crucial role in hearing by converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hair cells of the spiral organ of Corti rest on the basilar membrane. These hair cells feature hair-like structures called stereocilia that are pivotal in the process of auditory transduction. The inner hair cells serve as the primary auditory receptors, while the outer hair cells function to fine-tune the sound waves. The tectorial membrane is intimately associated with the process by interacting with the stereocilia. As sound waves cause the basilar membrane to move, the movement is translated into neural signals through the bending of stereocilia and subsequent depolarization of the hair cells' membranes.