Senses (II) Ears

Question 1

If a patient has malformed utricle walls, the detection of which aspect of sound or equilibrium is affected?

Answer 1

Linear horizontal acceleration

Question 2

Function of the outer ear

Answer 2

to collect sound waves and transmits them to the tympanic membrane

Question 3

Distinguish between the structure and function of the maculae in the utricle and the saccule.

Answer 3

In the utricle the maculae are horizontal and the hairs are vertically orientated when the head is upright. It responds to acceleration in a horizontal plane.

Saccule
the maculae is nearly vertical hairs horizontally in the O.M it responds to sudden acceleration e.g elevator

Question 4

What base fits in the oval window

Answer 4

The stapes

Question 5

Why can the cochlea distinguish between pitches?

Answer 5

It can do that because the basilar membrane is not uniform.

Question 6

Explain the neurotransmitter release in hearing.

Answer 6

If the hair was bending in one direction this results in depolarisation resulting in an increase of neurotransmitter release.

If the hair were bending in other directions this results in hyperpolarisation decreasing the neurotransmitter release

Question 7

What is another name for inner ear?

Answer 7

Labyrinth

Question 8

Explain the structure of the fibers if they are near the oval window and apex and determine their frequency

Answer 8

Oval window- short and stiff with a high frequency
Apex- long+floppy= low frequency