Hair Cells ________

Question

Hair cells ________.
A) can function only when exposed to perilymph
B) consist of stereocilia, which inhibit the sensory neuron when they are displaced toward the kinocilium
C) are the sensory receptors of the inner ear
D) each have a free surface that supports 5-10 long stereocilia
E) are highly specialized baroreceptors

Accepted Answer

Hair cells are indeed the sensory receptors of the inner ear, responsible for transmitting auditory information to the brain. Choices A, B, D, and E are all incorrect: hair cells can function in endolymph as well as perilymph, stereocilia actually excite the sensory neuron when displaced toward the kinocilium, each hair cell has a free surface that supports one kinocilium and multiple stereocilia, and hair cells are not baroreceptors.