Question 1

Which fluid fills the cochlear duct (scala media) and is essential for the function of the organ of Corti?

Accepted Answer

Endolymph

Question 2

A patient presents with hearing loss after chronic otitis media. Which structure is most likely damaged, resulting in conduction deafness?

Accepted Answer

Ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)

Question 3

Which anatomical structure is responsible for detecting rotational movements of the head?

Accepted Answer

Crista ampullaris in the semicircular canals

Question 4

During the Weber test, a tuning fork is placed on the midline of the skull. In a patient with sensorineural deafness in the right ear, how will the sound be perceived?

Accepted Answer

Sound is louder in the left ear

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the function of the maculae in the vestibule?

Accepted Answer

Detects linear acceleration and gravitational pull

Question 6

A patient is unable to maintain balance when standing still with eyes closed. Which test would most likely reveal this deficit?

Accepted Answer

Romberg test

Question 7

Which membrane separates the cochlear duct (scala media) from the scala tympani?

Accepted Answer

Basilar membrane

Question 8

What is the primary function of the stapes in the middle ear?

Accepted Answer

To transmit vibrations to the oval window

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why vision is important for maintaining equilibrium?

Accepted Answer

Vision provides information about head position relative to gravity

Question 10

A patient with damage to the hair cells of the organ of Corti would most likely experience which type of hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Sensorineural deafness

Question 11

Which equation best represents the relationship between frequency ($$f$$), wavelength ($$\lambda$$), and speed of sound ($$v) in $$the cochlea?

Accepted Answer

$$v = f 	imes \lambda$$

Question 12

Which structure is innervated by the cochlear branch of cranial nerve VIII?

Accepted Answer

Organ of Corti

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence for the transmission of sound from the external environment to the inner ear?

Accepted Answer

Auricle → tympanic membrane → ossicles → oval window → cochlea

Question 14

Which test is used to assess the function of the semicircular canals and detect nystagmus?

Accepted Answer

Barany test

Question 15

A patient with a lesion affecting the vestibular nerve would most likely have difficulty with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining balance during movement

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of otoliths in the vestibular system?

Accepted Answer

They detect linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity

Question 17

Which of the following is a normal response to the Rinne test in a healthy individual?

Accepted Answer

Air conduction is greater than bone conduction

Question 18

Which structure in the ear is primarily responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals for hearing?

Accepted Answer

Organ of Corti

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why a person may experience dizziness after spinning rapidly and then stopping suddenly?

Accepted Answer

Endolymph in the semicircular canals continues to move, stimulating the crista ampullaris

Question 20

Which of the following is the main function of the pharyngotympanic (auditory) tube?

Accepted Answer

To equalize air pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere

Special Senses: Hearing and Equilibrium – Anatomy & Physiology Study Notes

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