The Cellular Membrane Across Which Ion Flow Varies During Auditory

Question

The cellular membrane across which ion flow varies during auditory transduction is the
A) tectorial membrane.
B) tympanic membrane.
C) round-window membrane.
D) hair cell membrane.
E) basilar membrane.

Accepted Answer

The hair cell membrane is responsible for the conversion of mechanical energy from sound waves into electrical signals in the auditory system. Depending on the direction of displacement of the stereocilia on the hair cells, ion channels on the hair cell membrane can open or close, leading to changes in the flow of ions across the membrane and generating nerve impulses that are transmitted to the brain. The other choices are not directly involved in this process. The tectorial membrane is a gel-like structure that overlies the hair cells in the inner ear and helps to amplify sound vibrations, but does not contribute to ion flow. The tympanic membrane and round-window membrane are located in the outer ear and middle ear, respectively, and are involved in the transmission of sound waves from the environment to the inner ear, but do not participate in ion channels. The basilar membrane is a flexible tissue that underlies the hair cells and helps to separate different sound frequencies, but does not contain ion channels itself.