Question

Auditory hair cells are indirectly anchored to the _____. a. basilar membrane b. oval window c. tectorial membrane d. ossicles

Short answer

Option a is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Cochlear hair cells or auditory hair cells in humans have three rows of outer hair cells and one row of inner hair cells.

Step 2. Explanation of the correct option

Option a is correct because auditory hair cells are the auditory receptor cells that are located in the Corti organ in a thin basilar membrane.

Step 3. Explanation of the incorrect option

Option b is incorrect because the oval window is the intersection of the inner ear with the middle ear.

Option c is incorrect because the tectorial membrane is a gel-like structure containing 97 percent water that spirals around the entire length of the cochlea.

Option d is incorrect because malleus, stapes, and incus form the ossicular chain which connects the tympanic membrane.