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Ch. 17 The Special Senses
Martini - Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology 11th Edition
Martini, Nath, Bartholomew11th EditionFundamentals of Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136874089Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksMartini, Nath, Bartholomew 11th EditionCh. 17 The Special SensesProblem 5
Chapter 17, Problem 5

The basic receptors in the internal ear are the
(a) Utricles
(b) Saccules
(c) Hair cells
(d) Supporting cells
(e) Ampullae

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the internal ear contains specialized sensory receptors responsible for detecting sound and balance.
Recognize that the basic sensory receptors in the internal ear are specialized cells that convert mechanical stimuli into nerve impulses.
Recall that hair cells are the primary sensory receptors in the internal ear, located within structures such as the cochlea and vestibular apparatus.
Note that utricles, saccules, and ampullae are parts of the vestibular system that contain hair cells but are not themselves the receptors.
Conclude that the correct answer is (c) Hair cells, as they are the fundamental receptor cells responsible for detecting auditory and balance stimuli.

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Key Concepts

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

Structure of the Internal Ear

The internal ear consists of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. It houses sensory organs responsible for hearing and balance, including specialized receptor cells that detect sound vibrations and head movements.
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Hair Cells as Sensory Receptors

Hair cells are the primary sensory receptors in the internal ear. They have hair-like projections called stereocilia that convert mechanical stimuli from sound waves or head movements into electrical signals sent to the brain.
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Sensory Receptors

Role of Utricles, Saccules, and Ampullae

Utricles and saccules detect linear acceleration and gravity, while ampullae in semicircular canals detect rotational movements. These structures contain hair cells embedded in gelatinous material that respond to motion, aiding in balance and spatial orientation.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Receptors in the saccule and utricle provide sensations of

(a) Angular acceleration

(b) Hearing

(c) Vibration

(d) Gravity and linear acceleration and deceleration

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Textbook Question

A reduction in sensitivity in the presence of a constant stimulus is

(a) Transduction

(b) Sensory coding

(c) Line labeling

(d) Adaptation

Textbook Question

The malleus, incus, and stapes are the tiny bones located in the

(a) External ear

(b) Middle ear

(c) Internal ear

(d) Membranous labyrinth

Textbook Question

Sound waves are converted into mechanical movements by the

(a) Auditory ossicles

(b) Cochlea

(c) Oval window

(d) Round window

(e) Tympanic membrane

Textbook Question

Identify the structures of the external, middle, and internal ear in the following figure.

a. ___

b. ___

c. ___

d. ___

e. ___

f. ___

g. ___

h. ___

i. ___

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