Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

Introduction to Special Senses

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Problem 17

Textbook Question

The spiral organ sits on the ____ membrane, and the stereocilia of the outer hair cells contact the _ membrane.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by identifying the location of the spiral organ (also known as the organ of Corti) within the cochlea. It is a key structure involved in the process of hearing.

Step 2: Recall that the spiral organ is situated on a specific membrane within the cochlea. This membrane is responsible for supporting the organ and plays a role in sound wave transmission.

Step 3: Understand the role of stereocilia, which are hair-like projections on the outer hair cells. These structures are involved in detecting sound vibrations and converting them into electrical signals.

Step 4: Note that the stereocilia of the outer hair cells make contact with another membrane in the cochlea. This membrane is positioned above the spiral organ and interacts with the stereocilia during sound wave processing.

Step 5: Combine your knowledge of cochlear anatomy to identify the two membranes: the one supporting the spiral organ and the one interacting with the stereocilia. These are the basilar membrane and the tectorial membrane, respectively.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Spiral Organ (Organ of Corti)

The spiral organ, also known as the organ of Corti, is a structure located within the cochlea of the inner ear. It contains sensory hair cells that are essential for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. The organ is crucial for hearing, as it plays a key role in the transduction of sound waves into electrical impulses that the brain can interpret.

Basilar Membrane

The basilar membrane is a flexible structure within the cochlea that supports the spiral organ. It vibrates in response to sound waves, with different frequencies causing specific regions of the membrane to move. This movement is essential for stimulating the hair cells in the organ of Corti, allowing for the perception of different pitches in sound.

Tectorial Membrane

The tectorial membrane is a gelatinous structure that lies above the hair cells of the spiral organ. The stereocilia of the outer hair cells make contact with this membrane, and its movement relative to the hair cells is critical for the mechanotransduction process. When sound waves cause the basilar membrane to move, the tectorial membrane shifts, bending the stereocilia and triggering the auditory signal.