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Ch. 15 The Special Senses
Hoehn - Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology, 12th edition
Hoehn, Haynes, Abbott12th EditionMarieb Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138242732Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksHoehn, Haynes, Abbott 12th EditionCh. 15 The Special SensesProblem 11
Chapter 15, Problem 11

The transmission of sound vibrations through the internal ear occurs chiefly through
(a) nerve fibers
(b) air
(c) fluid
(d) bone.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the anatomy of the internal ear, also known as the cochlea, which is a fluid-filled structure responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses.
Step 2: Recall that sound vibrations enter the ear and are transmitted through different mediums: initially through air in the outer ear, then through bone in the middle ear, and finally through fluid in the internal ear.
Step 3: Recognize that within the cochlea, the vibrations move through the fluid (perilymph and endolymph), which stimulates hair cells that convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals.
Step 4: Note that nerve fibers do not transmit the vibrations themselves but carry the electrical signals generated by the hair cells to the brain.
Step 5: Conclude that the chief medium for transmission of sound vibrations through the internal ear is fluid, as it is the fluid movement that activates sensory receptors.

Key Concepts

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

Transmission of Sound Vibrations

Sound vibrations travel through different mediums before being perceived by the brain. Understanding how these vibrations move through the ear's structures is essential to identify the correct pathway within the internal ear.
Recommended video:
Guided course
7:54
Sounds in the Cardiac Cycle

Structure and Function of the Internal Ear

The internal ear contains fluid-filled chambers, including the cochlea, where sound vibrations are converted into nerve signals. Recognizing that the internal ear primarily uses fluid to transmit vibrations helps explain how sound is processed internally.
Recommended video:
06:04
Functional Groups

Mediums of Sound Transmission

Sound can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, but the efficiency and mechanism differ. In the internal ear, fluid is the main medium for transmitting vibrations, unlike air or bone, which are involved in other parts of the auditory system.
Recommended video:
Guided course
7:54
Sounds in the Cardiac Cycle
Related Practice
Textbook Question

The structure that allows pressure in the middle ear to be equalized with atmospheric pressure is the

a. Pinna

b. Pharyngotympanic tube

c. Tympanic membrane

d. Oval window

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Textbook Question

Olfactory nerve filaments are found

a. In the optic bulbs

b. Passing through the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone

c. In the optic tracts

d. In the olfactory cortex

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Textbook Question

Of the neurons in the retina, the axons of which of these form the optic nerve?

a. Bipolar cells

b. Ganglion cells

c. Cone cells

d. Horizontal cells

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements does not correctly describe the spiral organ?

a. Sounds of high frequency stimulate hair cells at the basal end.

b. The 'hairs' of the receptor cells are embedded in the tectorial membrane.

c. The basilar membrane acts as a resonator.

d. The more numerous outer hair cells are largely responsible for our perception of sound.

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Textbook Question

Otoliths (ear stones) are

a. A cause of deafness

b. A type of hearing aid

c. Important in equilibrium

d. The rock-hard petrous part of the temporal bones

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Textbook Question

Taste buds are found on the

a. Anterior part of the tongue

b. Posterior part of the tongue

c. Palate

d. All of these

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