Sound waves arriving at a listener first strike the
A)tectorial membrane.
B)tympanic membrane.
C)hair cell membrane.
D)basilar membrane.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sound waves first strike the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum. This causes the membrane to vibrate, which sets the chain of events in motion that ultimately result in the perception of sound. The other options listed - the tectorial membrane, hair cell membrane, and basilar membrane - are all important structures within the inner ear, but they are not the first point of contact for incoming sound waves.

Sound Waves Arriving at a Listener First Strike the