Question

Sensation of hearing is a result of

• A. Vibrations of ear ossicles
• B. Nerve impulses from hair cells of organs of Corti
• C. Vibrations in external auditory meatus
• D. Vibrations in ear drum

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Nerve impulses from hair cells of organs of Corti

Organ of Corti is a receptor organ of hearing and is located in the inner ear. It is considered as body's microphone. It is present on the basilar membrane which is the floor of cochlear duct. There are many sensitive hair cells present in rows on the internal side of organ of Corti. The basal ends of hair cells are in close contact with the afferent nerve fibres. Vibrations from oval window are passed onto fluid of cochlea where waves are generated into lymph due to these vibrations. These waves generate vibrations in the basilar membrane which bend the hair cells and press them against the tectorial membrane. This results in the generation of nerve impulses in afferent neurons which are transmitted by afferent fibres to auditory cortex of brain.

So, the correct answer is 'Nerve impulses from hair cells of organs of Corti'.