11. Inner ear

Question 1

perilymph

Answer 1

fluid in the perilyphatic space of the inner ear, produced by filtration, thus its composition is the same as that of ther extracellular fluids

Question 2

endolymph

Answer 2

fluid in the memranous labyrinth of the inner ear, produced by secretion, characterized by high K+ levels

Question 3

hair cell

Answer 3

secondary sensory cell in the inner ear

Question 4

stereocilium

Answer 4

processes on the apical surface of the hair cells filled with actin filaments and bearing mechanosensitive K+ channels at the tip

Question 5

kinocilium

Answer 5

long process on the apical surface of the hair cells showing cilium structure in cross section

Question 6

tip link

Answer 6

protein structure connecting the tips of the stereocilia; important for the deformation of the membrane and thus for the opening of the K+ channels during bending of the stereocilia

Question 7

organ of the Corti

Answer 7

the organ of hearing in the inner ear

Question 8

fenestra rotunda

Answer 8

membrane covered opening between the cochlea and the middle ear, it lets the perilymph move when the stapes pushes the membrane at the fenestra ovale

Question 9

fenestra ovale

Answer 9

membrane covered opening between the cochlea and the middle ear, stapes transmit movement of the tympanic membrane to the perilymph through this opening