CVT Vestibular System Anatomy & Physiology Techniques 2

Question 1

Which structure in the inner ear contains the macula utriculi and macula sacculi?

Accepted Answer

Otolithic organs

Answer

The otolithic organs (utricle and saccule) each contain a macula, which is a sensory epithelium embedded with otoconia crystals that detect linear acceleration.

Question 2

The type I hair cell in the vestibular system is characterized by its:

Accepted Answer

Flask shape enclosed by a calyceal afferent nerve ending

Answer

Type I hair cells are flask-shaped and are enclosed by a calyceal (chalice-shaped) nerve ending that surrounds the base of the cell.

Question 3

Which cranial nerve carries vestibular afferent signals from the inner ear to the brainstem?

Accepted Answer

CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear nerve)

Answer

The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII) transmits both vestibular and auditory afferent signals from the inner ear to the brainstem.

Question 4

The endolymph fluid within the membranous labyrinth has an ionic composition most similar to:

Accepted Answer

Intracellular fluid

Answer

Endolymph is uniquely high in potassium and low in sodium, resembling intracellular fluid rather than typical extracellular fluids like perilymph or CSF.

Question 5

During head rotation to the right, the right horizontal semicircular canal ampulla experiences:

Accepted Answer

Ampullopetal endolymph flow causing excitation

Answer

Rightward head rotation causes ampullopetal (toward the ampulla) endolymph flow in the right horizontal canal, which deflects the cupula and excites right-side hair cells.

(CVT) Certified Vestibular Therapist Practice Test

(CVT) Certified Vestibular Therapist Practice Test

CVT Vestibular System Anatomy & Physiology Techniques 2