Answer: The organ of Corti is located in the inner ear. (C)
Step-by-step explanation:
The organ of Corti is a structure within the cochlea, which is part of the inner ear. It is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure that is essential for hearing.
To understand the location of the organ of Corti, it is important to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the ear. The ear can be divided into three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.
The outer ear consists of the pinna, which is the visible part of the ear, and the ear canal. Its main function is to collect sound waves and direct them towards the middle ear.
The middle ear is located between the eardrum and the inner ear. It contains three small bones called ossicles: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). These bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.
The inner ear is where the organ of Corti is located. It consists of two main structures: the cochlea and the vestibular system. The cochlea is responsible for hearing, while the vestibular system plays a role in balance and spatial orientation.
Within the cochlea, there are three fluid-filled chambers: the scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani. The organ of Corti sits on top of the basilar membrane within the scala media. It contains specialized hair cells that are crucial for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.
When sound waves enter the cochlea through the oval window, they create pressure waves in the fluid within the scala vestibuli. These pressure waves cause movement of the basilar membrane, which in turn causes displacement of the hair cells in the organ of Corti. This movement stimulates these hair cells, leading to the generation of nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.
In summary, the organ of Corti is located within the cochlea, which is part of the inner ear. It plays a vital role in converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.