3.2 The Auditory and the Vestibular Systems Part 2 Flashcards
What do each of the three semicircular canals contain?
fluid and equilibrium receptors
What is the purpose of the equilibrium receptors in the semicircular canals?
cause action potentials in response to different types of motions
Which nerve sends the action potentials created by the equilibrium receptors?
CN VIII - Vestibular portion
What is vestibular sense?
balance and upright orientation
What does CN VII innervate?
stapedius
Where is the stapedius located?
attached to the stapes
What is the function of the stapedius?
control the amount of tension on the stapes allowing for increased or decreased vibration to help control intensity of sounds
What is the cochlea?
spiral, bony chamber containing cochlear duct
What does the cochlear duct contain?
endolymph
What is housed in the cochlea?
organ of Corti
Which nerve is at the end of the cochlea?
CN VIII - cochlear nerve
What is the sense organ for the auditory system?
organ of Corti
What does the organ of corti contain?
tectorial membrane
sterocilia
What initiates the action potentials sent to the cochlea nerve?
mechanical movement of the stereocilia from the tectorial membrane
Why is the auditory pathway a unique sensory pathways?
ascending pathways cross in addition to sending signals to the same side of the brain
