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Ch. 8 Special Senses
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMarieb 13th EditionCh. 8 Special SensesProblem 8
Chapter 8, Problem 8

Which of the following are paired incorrectly?
a. Cochlear duct—cupula
b. Vestibule—macula
c. Ampulla—otoliths
d. Semicircular duct—ampulla

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the anatomy and physiology of the structures mentioned in the problem. The cochlear duct, vestibule, ampulla, and semicircular duct are all parts of the inner ear, which is responsible for hearing and balance.
Step 2: Review the function and associated structures of each term. For example, the cochlear duct is part of the cochlea and is associated with the organ of Corti, not the cupula. The vestibule contains the macula, which detects linear acceleration and head position. The ampulla is part of the semicircular canals and contains the cupula, which detects rotational movement. Otoliths are found in the macula, not the ampulla.
Step 3: Match each term with its correct associated structure. Identify any mismatches based on your understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the inner ear.
Step 4: Analyze each option provided in the question: a. Cochlear duct—cupula (incorrect pairing), b. Vestibule—macula (correct pairing), c. Ampulla—otoliths (incorrect pairing), d. Semicircular duct—ampulla (correct pairing).
Step 5: Conclude by identifying the incorrectly paired options based on the analysis above. Ensure you understand why each pairing is correct or incorrect to solidify your knowledge of inner ear anatomy.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cochlear Duct and Cupula

The cochlear duct is part of the cochlea in the inner ear, responsible for hearing, while the cupula is a structure found in the ampulla of the semicircular canals, involved in balance. Therefore, pairing the cochlear duct with the cupula is incorrect, as they serve different functions and are located in different parts of the ear.
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Vestibule and Macula

The vestibule is a central part of the inner ear that contains the macula, which is responsible for detecting linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity. This pairing is correct, as the macula is indeed located within the vestibule, specifically in the utricle and saccule.
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Ampulla and Otoliths

The ampulla is a structure located at the base of each semicircular canal, containing the cupula and sensory hair cells for detecting rotational movements. Otoliths, on the other hand, are small calcium carbonate crystals found in the utricle and saccule of the vestibule, not in the ampulla. Thus, this pairing is incorrect.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Sounds entering the external acoustic meatus are eventually converted to nerve impulses via a chain of events including:

a. Vibration of the eardrum

b. Vibratory motion of the ossicles against the oval window

c. Stimulation of hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti

d. Resonance of the cupula

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Textbook Question

Gustatory cells are:

a. Bipolar neurons

b. Multipolar neurons

c. Unipolar neurons

d. Epithelial cells

Textbook Question

Name the structures of the outer, middle, and inner ears, and give the general function of each structure and each group of structures.

Textbook Question

Alkaloids excite gustatory hairs mostly at the:

a. Tip of the tongue

b. Back of the tongue

c. Vallate papillae

d. Fungiform papillae

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Textbook Question

Movement of which structure triggers the bending of hairs of the hair cells in the spiral organ of Corti?

Textbook Question

Cranial nerves that are part of the gustatory pathway include

a. Trigeminal

b. Facial

c. Hypoglossal

d. Glossopharyngeal