Question

The functional unit of hearing is

• A. Utricle
• B. Organ of Corti
• C. Crista
• D. Incus

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Organ of Corti

The correct option is B.

Explanation of correct option:

1. The organ of Corti is an auditory sense cell that is present inside the cochlear duct.
2. It houses the receptors that convert mechanical vibrations into nerve signals.
3. The basilar membrane of the organ of Corti contains those receptors, which makes it the functional unit of hearing.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The utricle is a sensory cell located in the semicircular canal.
2. It is responsible for the static equilibrium of the body.

Option C:

1. Cristae are the sense cells present in the ampulla which is formed by the widening of semicircular canals.
2. They are responsible for providing dynamic equilibrium to the body.

Option D:

1. Incus or anvil is an ossicle or bone which is present in the middle ear.
2. It plays an essential role in transmitting vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Final answer: The functional unit of hearing is an organ of the Corti.