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.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the role of the spiral organ, also known as the organ of Corti, in the auditory system.
2. Understand that the organ of Corti is located within the cochlea of the inner ear and is responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.
3. Review each statement to determine its accuracy based on the known functions and structure of the organ of Corti.
4. Consider statement (a): High-frequency sounds stimulate hair cells at the basal end of the cochlea, which is true.
5. Evaluate statement (d): Outer hair cells primarily amplify sound and enhance frequency selectivity, but inner hair cells are mainly responsible for transmitting sound information to the brain, making this statement incorrect.

Key Concepts

Spiral Organ (Organ of Corti)

The spiral organ, or organ of Corti, is a structure located within the cochlea of the inner ear. It contains hair cells that are essential for converting sound vibrations into neural signals. The arrangement of these hair cells allows for the detection of different frequencies of sound, with high frequencies stimulating hair cells at the base and lower frequencies at the apex.

Basilar Membrane

The basilar membrane is a flexible structure in the cochlea that plays a crucial role in sound perception. It vibrates in response to sound waves, with its stiffness varying along its length, allowing it to act as a frequency analyzer. This means that different parts of the membrane resonate with different frequencies, facilitating the detection of pitch.

Outer Hair Cells

Outer hair cells are specialized cells in the cochlea that amplify sound vibrations and enhance sensitivity to quiet sounds. They play a significant role in fine-tuning auditory perception by adjusting the stiffness of the basilar membrane. While they contribute to sound perception, the inner hair cells are primarily responsible for transmitting auditory information to the brain.