Where can the otolithic membrane be found?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, we first consider the anatomical structures involved in the vestibular system and their sensory roles.
Option 1: 'The middle ear' — The middle ear contains the auditory ossicles and is involved in hearing, not balance. This is not where the otolithic membrane resides.
Option 2: 'The cochlea' — The cochlea is part of the inner ear specialized for hearing via hair cells in the organ of Corti. It does not house the otolithic membrane, which is related to gravity sensing rather than sound transduction.
Option 3: 'The ampullae of the semicircular canals' — The ampullae contain hair cells that detect angular acceleration, but the otolithic membrane is not located there; they are associated with dynamic movement detection rather than static gravity information.
Option 4: 'The maculae of the vestibule' — The maculae are sensory patches located in the utricle and saccule (components of the vestibule). They contain otoliths and the otolithic membrane, enabling detection of linear acceleration and head position relative to gravity. This directly matches the definition and location of the otolithic membrane.
Overall, the options that place the otolithic membrane in the middle ear, cochlea, or semicircular canal ampullae are inconsistent with its known location, whereas the maculae of the vestibule provide the correct anatomical setting for the otolithic membrane.

BIOLOGY 211-B09C HW #15: The Ear

Where can the otolithic membrane be found?

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