Question

The organ in ear that helps to maintain equilibrium is

• A. Cochlea
• B. Organ of Corti
• C. Semicircular canals
• D. Ear ossicles

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Semicircular canals

The correct option is -C

Explanation for the correct option:

1. The vestibular apparatus of the inner ear consists of a utricle, saccule, and three semicircular canals.
2. The balance receptors (hair cells) are present in the utricle, saccule, and ampulla of three semicircular canals.
3. These semicircular canals are arranged right angle to each other.
4. They are filled with a liquid called endolymph.
5. The vestibules and three semicircular canals of the human inner ear maintain body balance.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option-A

1. It is a highly coiled tube that appears like a snail.
2. It is about 35 mm long and has three chambers- vestibular canals, the middle canal, and the tympanic canal.
3. The organ of Corti is present inside the middle canal (cochlear duct) of the cochlea which is responsible for sending the sound impulses to the brain through the auditory nerve.

Option-B

1. The organ of Corti is located inside the middle canal of the cochlea.
2. It is mainly composed of tectorial membrane, sensory hair cells and basilar membrane.
3. The cochlea is stimulated by sound vibrations produced in the organ of Corti.
4. This sensation is transmitted to the brain by auditory nerves.

Option-D

1. These are the three bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) in the middle ear.
2. They have articulated to form a chain for the transmission of sound from the external ear to the internal ear.
3. Stapes is the smallest bone of the human body it appears like a stirrup.
4. Incus is the second ossicle. It appears like an anvil.
5. Malleus is the first ear ossicle and it appears like a hammer.

Final answer: Semicircular canals of the inner ear help to maintain the equilibrium.