Hearing Loss Ear Anatomy and Physiology 4

Question 1

Which inner ear structures are responsible for detecting linear acceleration and gravity?

Accepted Answer

Utricle and saccule

Answer

The utricle and saccule (otolith organs) sense linear movement and head tilt.

Question 2

The semicircular canals primarily detect what type of motion?

Accepted Answer

Rotational (angular) acceleration

Answer

The three semicircular canals sense angular acceleration as the head rotates.

Question 3

Outer hair cells differ from inner hair cells mainly because they:

Accepted Answer

Amplify and sharpen cochlear vibrations

Answer

Outer hair cells provide active amplification (the cochlear amplifier), while inner hair cells send most afferent signals.

Question 4

The gelatinous structure overlying the hair cells in the cochlea is the:

Accepted Answer

Tectorial membrane

Answer

The tectorial membrane sits atop the stereocilia, bending them as the basilar membrane moves.

Question 5

Reissner's membrane separates which two cochlear compartments?

Accepted Answer

Scala vestibuli and scala media

Answer

Reissner's (vestibular) membrane divides the scala vestibuli from the scala media.

Hearing Loss Practice Test