The eardrum is also known as the

• A. basilar membrane.
• B. organ of Corti.
• C. malleus.
• D. tympanic membrane.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the term 'eardrum' and understand its function in the auditory system. The eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and vibrates in response to sound waves.
2. Review the options provided: basilar membrane, organ of Corti, malleus, and tympanic membrane.
3. Understand the role of each option: the basilar membrane is part of the cochlea in the inner ear, the organ of Corti is the sensory organ for hearing located on the basilar membrane, and the malleus is one of the three small bones in the middle ear.
4. Recognize that the tympanic membrane is the anatomical term for the eardrum, which is responsible for transmitting sound vibrations from the air to the ossicles inside the middle ear.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'tympanic membrane' as it is the scientific term for the eardrum, distinguishing it from the other options which have different roles in the auditory system.