The Basilar Membrane Vibrates. What Happens Next

Question

The basilar membrane vibrates. What happens next?
A) The tympanic membrane vibrates.
B) The semicircular canals are stimulated.
C) The perilymph vibrates.
D) Hair cells in the organ of Corti are stimulated.

Accepted Answer

The hair cells in the organ of Corti are stimulated by the vibrations of the basilar membrane. This stimulation causes the hair cells to bend, which triggers the release of neurotransmitters and sends signals through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.