Refer to the figure if needed to complete the following: The transduction of sound waves to changes in membrane potential takes place:
A)within the tectorial membrane as it is stimulated by the hair cells.
B)when stereocilia bend against the tectorial membrane, causing hair cell depolarization.
C)in the basilar membrane as it vibrates at different locations.
D)in the oval window, which vibrates at the same frequency as the original sound.
E)as the vibrations received by the outer ear cause the eardrum to vibrate.

Question

Refer to the figure if needed to complete the following: The transduction of sound waves to changes in membrane potential takes place: 
A)within the tectorial membrane as it is stimulated by the hair cells. 
B)when stereocilia bend against the tectorial membrane, causing hair cell depolarization. 
C)in the basilar membrane as it vibrates at different locations. 
D)in the oval window, which vibrates at the same frequency as the original sound. 
E)as the vibrations received by the outer ear cause the eardrum to vibrate.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transduction of sound waves to changes in membrane potential takes place when stereocilia bend against the tectorial membrane, causing hair cell depolarization. This occurs in the hair cells of the cochlea, which are located on the basilar membrane. The vibrations received by the outer ear cause the eardrum to vibrate and are transmitted through the middle ear to the oval window, which initiates the movement of fluid within the cochlea. As the fluid moves, it causes the basilar membrane to vibrate at different locations, which stimulates the hair cells to depolarize.

Refer to the Figure If Needed to Complete the Following