Question

Supporting cells of organ of Corti are

• A. Deiters cells
• B. Hensen's cells
• C. Both of the above
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C Both of the above

The organ of Corti is composed of two types of cells, supporting and hair cells. The supporting cells are tall, slender cells extending from the basilar membrane to the free surface of the organ of Corti. The supporting cells include the outer and inner pillars (rods of Corti), inner and outer phalangeal cells, and cells of Hensen. Each outer hair cell is supported by a phalangeal cell of Deiters or supporting cell, which holds the base of the hair cell in a cup-shaped depression. The outer phalangeal cells act as supporting elements for the three to four rows of outer hair cells. The cells of Hensen are located adjacent to the last row of outer phalangeal cells. They constitute the outer border of the organ of Corti. The hair cells are of two types: the inner and outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are in a single row. The outer hair cells form three rows lodged between the outer pillar and outer phalangeal cells.