Audiology - Anatomy And Physiology Of The Ear
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Eustachian tube blockages are common, especially in children, and often lead to middle ear problems.
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True
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False
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About This Quiz
This Audiology quiz focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the ear, exploring how hearing loss affects speech perception, the properties of sound waves, and the medium's role in sound propagation. Ideal for students and professionals in health sciences and biology.
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- 2.
The auditory ossicles (incus, malleus, and stapes) can be found in which part of the ear?
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Middle ear
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Outer ear
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Inner ear
Correct Answer
A. Middle earExplanation
The auditory ossicles, including the incus, malleus, and stapes, are located in the middle ear. The middle ear is the space between the eardrum and the inner ear. These tiny bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The auditory ossicles (incus, malleus, and stapes) form a chain which connect the tympanic membrane with what?
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Oval window
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Bony labyrinth
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Eustachian tube
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Nasopharynx
Correct Answer
A. Oval windowExplanation
The auditory ossicles (incus, malleus, and stapes) form a chain that connects the tympanic membrane (eardrum) to the oval window. The oval window is a membrane-covered opening that separates the middle ear from the inner ear. When sound waves enter the ear and cause the tympanic membrane to vibrate, these vibrations are transmitted through the auditory ossicles and ultimately to the oval window. The oval window then transfers these vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea in the inner ear, where they are converted into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain as sound.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The External Auditory Meatus is lined with skin and leads from the bottom of the concha of the pinna to the tympanic membrane.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal, is indeed lined with skin. It is a tube-like structure that starts from the bottom of the concha of the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and extends to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This lining of skin helps protect the ear canal and also plays a role in the production of earwax. Therefore, the statement provided is true.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The speed at which sound travels depends on the elasticity of the medium through which it is travelling.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Sound travels faster through more elastic mediumsRate this question:
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- 6.
What is the main function of the Eustachian tube?
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Aerate the middle ear so that pressure in the middle ear cavity remains the same as the atmospheric pressure
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Amplify sounds through to the fluid-filled cochlea
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Help maintain balance and proprioception
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Increase the pressure inside the inner ear cavity
Correct Answer
A. Aerate the middle ear so that pressure in the middle ear cavity remains the same as the atmospheric pressureExplanation
This allows the tympanic membrane to vibrate with the sound wavesRate this question:
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- 7.
At birth, the Eustachian tube is almost completely horizontal.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
At birth, the Eustachian tube is almost completely horizontal. This is because the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, is not fully developed in newborns. As a result, it is positioned more horizontally than in adults. This horizontal orientation can make it more difficult for fluid to drain from the middle ear, which can contribute to ear infections in infants and young children. As the child grows, the Eustachian tube gradually becomes more vertical, allowing for better drainage and reducing the risk of ear infections.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Perilymph and endolymph occupy separate compartments and hence do not mix.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Perilymph and endolymph are two different fluids that exist in the inner ear. They are separated by membranes and occupy separate compartments, which prevents them from mixing together. This separation is important for maintaining the proper functioning of the inner ear and its sensory functions. Therefore, the statement that perilymph and endolymph do not mix is true.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The human ear can detect what range of frequencies?
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20-20,000 Hz
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20-2,000 Hz
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20-200,000 Hz
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20-200 Hz
Correct Answer
A. 20-20,000 HzExplanation
The human ear can detect a range of frequencies from 20 to 20,000 Hz. This range is commonly referred to as the audible frequency range. Frequencies below 20 Hz are considered infrasound and frequencies above 20,000 Hz are considered ultrasound, which are typically not audible to the human ear. The range of 20-20,000 Hz encompasses the frequencies of most sounds that we encounter in our daily lives, including speech, music, and environmental sounds.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The middle ear is an air-filled chamber which sits between the ear canal and the inner ear. How is it connected to the nasopharynx?
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Via the Eustachian tube
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Via the External Auditory Meatus
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Via the fluid-filled cochlea
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Via the bony labyrinth
Correct Answer
A. Via the Eustachian tubeExplanation
The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube. This tube acts as a pathway that allows air to flow between the middle ear and the back of the throat. It helps to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum, ensuring that the eardrum can vibrate properly and allowing for normal hearing.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The organ of Corti is the sensitive element in the inner ear and can be thought of as the "body's microphone". Where is it situated?
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On the basilar membrane
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Behind the oval window
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Beside the cochlea
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At the top of the Eustachian tube
Correct Answer
A. On the basilar membraneExplanation
The organ of Corti is situated on the basilar membrane. It is a structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells, which are responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The basilar membrane is a thin, flexible membrane that runs along the length of the cochlea, which is the spiral-shaped structure of the inner ear. The organ of Corti sits on top of the basilar membrane and is essential for hearing.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The nerve fibres carrying sound signals lead to different parts of the auditory cortex depending on the frequencies they carry.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Different frequencies of sound are processed in different regions of the auditory cortex. This is known as tonotopy, which means that neighboring neurons in the auditory cortex respond to different frequencies. This organization allows the brain to analyze and interpret different aspects of sound, such as pitch and timbre. Therefore, it is true that nerve fibers carrying sound signals lead to different parts of the auditory cortex depending on the frequencies they carry.Rate this question:
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- 13.
As this OHC expansion and contraction only occurs at the specific region of the cochlea tuned to the incoming frequency, it ____________ the cochlea's frequency selectivity (cochlear tuning).
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Increases
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Decreases
Correct Answer
A. IncreasesExplanation
It also AMPLIFIES quieter sounds, thus LOWERING the hearing thresholdRate this question:
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- 14.
How does the tympanic membrane receive the incoming sound?
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Vibrates back and forth with incoming compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave
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Vibrates with the incoming compressions of the sound wave
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Tympanic membrane pushes inwards alongside the sound waves
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Tympanic membrane is forced outwards with the vibrations of the sound wave
Correct Answer
A. Vibrates back and forth with incoming compressions and rarefactions of the sound waveExplanation
The correct answer is "Vibrates back and forth with incoming compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave." The tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, receives sound waves and vibrates in response to the incoming compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave. This vibration is then transmitted to the middle ear, where it is further amplified and transmitted to the inner ear for processing and interpretation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
These otoacoustic emissions arise from the energy produced by __________________ action under control of the efferent input to the cochlea.
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Outer hair cell
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Inner hair cell
Correct Answer
A. Outer hair cellExplanation
Testing for the presence of OAEs is the basis of neonatal hearing screening.Rate this question:
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- 16.
One Hz is equal to...
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One complete cycle (one compression and one rarefaction)
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One compression
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One rarefaction
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None of the above
Correct Answer
A. One complete cycle (one compression and one rarefaction)Explanation
The correct answer is "One complete cycle (one compression and one rarefaction)." This is because one Hz (Hertz) represents one complete oscillation or vibration per second. In the context of sound waves, one complete cycle includes both a compression (where the particles are closer together) and a rarefaction (where the particles are spread apart). Therefore, one Hz corresponds to one complete cycle of a sound wave, which includes both a compression and a rarefaction.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The travelling wave peaks at the part of the basilar membrane which is tuned to the stimulus frequency and then dies away.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The part near the base moves first, followed by successively more apical segments.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The frequency of the sound wave determines the sound's...
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Pitch
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Loudness
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Length
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Clarity
Correct Answer
A. PitchExplanation
The frequency of a sound wave refers to the number of cycles or vibrations the wave completes in a given unit of time. This frequency directly correlates to the perceived pitch of the sound. Higher frequencies result in higher-pitched sounds, while lower frequencies result in lower-pitched sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is "Pitch."Rate this question:
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- 19.
The outer ear in sound localisation will catch more high frequency sounds easily from the front
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The outer ear, also known as the pinna, plays a crucial role in sound localization. Its unique shape and structure help in capturing and funneling sound waves into the ear canal. The shape of the pinna allows it to effectively amplify high-frequency sounds coming from the front, making it easier to locate the source of these sounds. This is because high-frequency sounds have shorter wavelengths and are more easily affected by the shape of the pinna. Therefore, the statement that the outer ear catches more high-frequency sounds easily from the front is true.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The stapes pushes against the ___________ which causes the fluid in the cochlea to vibrate at the same frequency as the sound and sets up a travelling wave.
Correct Answer
oval windowExplanation
The stapes, which is the smallest bone in the human body, pushes against the oval window. This action causes the fluid in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear, to vibrate at the same frequency as the sound. As a result, a traveling wave is set up in the cochlea, which is crucial for the process of hearing.Rate this question:
- 21.
Where is the inner ear situated?
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Within the temporal bone
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Next to the sphenoid bone
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Between the temporal and sphenoid bones
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Behind the ethmoid bone
Correct Answer
A. Within the temporal boneExplanation
The inner ear is situated within the temporal bone. The temporal bone is a paired bone that forms part of the skull and is located on the sides and base of the skull. It houses various structures of the inner ear, including the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. These structures are responsible for hearing and balance.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The basilar membrane forms the upper boundary of the scala media.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
It forms the LOWER boundary of the scala media. The UPPER boundary is called the vestibular or Reissner's membrane.Rate this question:
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- 23.
What is the non-acoustic function of the outer ear?
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To protect against against assault and injury
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To increase the length of the inner ear
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To ensure alignment within the skull
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To monitor balance and proprioception
Correct Answer
A. To protect against against assault and injuryExplanation
The outer ear serves as a physical barrier that helps protect the delicate structures of the middle and inner ear from external harm. It consists of the pinna and the ear canal, which act as a shield, preventing foreign objects from entering the ear and potentially causing damage. Additionally, the shape and positioning of the outer ear help in localizing sound sources and enhancing sound reception, but this is not mentioned in the given options.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Sound waves are collected by the
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Pinna
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External Auditory Meatus
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Tympanic Membrane
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Oval WIndow
Correct Answer
A. PinnaExplanation
They are collected by the pinna and then funnelled down through the EAM to the TMRate this question:
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- 25.
________ fibres connect predominantly to the OHCs. Each neuron connects to a number of OHCs.
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Efferent
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Afferent
Correct Answer
A. EfferentExplanation
This tells us that the hair cells are PERCEPTUAL.Rate this question:
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- 26.
Outer hair cells are '_______' participants in the mechanoelectric transduction process.
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Active
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Passive
Correct Answer
A. ActiveExplanation
At the specific region of the basilar membrane most tuned to the incoming sound frequency, the OHC EXPAND AND CONTRACT in direct response to the sound, imparting energy into the system.
This exaggerates the motion between the basilar and tectorial membranes; hence the IHC stereocilia are displaced more vigorously, increasing the stimulation of the IHCs.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The outer ear in sound localisation helps us to determine if sounds come from below or above.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The outer ear plays a crucial role in sound localization. Its unique shape and position allow it to capture sound waves from different angles, enabling us to determine the direction from which a sound is coming. By comparing the slight differences in sound arrival time and intensity between the ears, our brain can accurately locate the source of the sound in three-dimensional space. This ability also helps us determine if sounds come from below or above, making the statement "The outer ear in sound localization helps us to determine if sounds come from below or above" true.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What would be the effect if the IHCs were intact, but the OHCs were not?
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All of them
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You wouldn't be able to hear quiet sounds
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You wouldn't be able to hear closely tuned sounds
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You wouldn't be able to hear muffled sounds
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You would lose the ability to suppress loud sounds
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You would lose the ability/struggle to tune out background noise
Correct Answer
A. All of themExplanation
If the IHCs (inner hair cells) were intact but the OHCs (outer hair cells) were not, it would have multiple effects on hearing. The OHCs play a crucial role in amplifying and fine-tuning sounds before they reach the IHCs. Without the OHCs, the ability to hear quiet sounds would be compromised as they help in amplifying soft sounds. Additionally, closely tuned sounds would be difficult to hear as the OHCs contribute to the precise frequency discrimination. Hearing muffled sounds would also be a consequence as the OHCs help in enhancing the clarity and sharpness of sounds. Furthermore, the OHCs are responsible for suppressing loud sounds, so the ability to tolerate loud sounds would be lost. Lastly, tuning out background noise would become challenging without the OHCs' contribution.Rate this question:
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- 29.
In general, the lower the amplitude, the louder the sound.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. FalseExplanation
The higher the amplitude, the louder the sound. Amplitude is physical, loudness is subjective.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The fibrous layer of the tympanic membrane extends throughout the pars tensa, but not the pars flaccida.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The fibrous layer of the tympanic membrane extends throughout the pars tensa, which is the thicker and more rigid part of the eardrum. However, it does not extend into the pars flaccida, which is a smaller and more flexible part of the eardrum. This is why the statement is true, as the fibrous layer is present in one part of the eardrum but not the other.Rate this question:
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- 31.
How many afferent neurons connect to IHCs?
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95%
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76%
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82%
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69%
Correct Answer
A. 95%Explanation
Most EFFERENT connections are to OHCs.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Excited OHCs react by ___________.
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Contracting
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Expanding
Correct Answer
A. ContractingExplanation
This active mechanism pulls the BASILAR and TECTORIAL MEMBRANES together and apart more vigorously, resulting in further stimulation of the IHCs.Rate this question:
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- 33.
The cochlea resembles a snail shell with 2.5 turns (in humans). What is the central conical core of the cochlea called?
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Modiolus
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Helicotrema
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Basilar membrane
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Organ of Corti
Correct Answer
A. ModiolusExplanation
The outer wall of the modiolus forms the inner wall of a canal which spirals the full 2.5 turns around the central core.Rate this question:
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- 34.
Approximately how much larger is the tympanic membrane than the stapes footplate (which bangs against the oval window)?
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17 times
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13 times
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25 times
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9 times
Correct Answer
A. 17 timesExplanation
Because the eardrum has a surface area approximately 17 times larger than the stapes footplate, the sound pressure at the footplate is 17 times greater than pressure at the eardrum due to the difference in surface area.Rate this question:
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- 35.
These two passages (scala vestibuli and scala tympani) are joined via a communicating opening between them at the apex. What is the apex called?
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Helicotrema
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Spiral lamina
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Organ of Corti
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Endolymph
Correct Answer
A. HelicotremaExplanation
The apex of the scala vestibuli and scala tympani is called the helicotrema. The helicotrema is a small opening that connects the two passages, allowing fluid to flow between them. This opening plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluid pressure within the cochlea, which is important for proper hearing function. The other options listed - spiral lamina, organ of Corti, and endolymph - are all structures within the cochlea, but they are not specifically related to the apex or the connection between the scala vestibuli and scala tympani.Rate this question:
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- 36.
The cochlea is adult-sized at birth.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Organ of Corti is generally organised in an adult-like way by the second trimester of pregnancy.Rate this question:
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- 37.
Approximately how long is the external auditory meatus in adults?
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2.5cm
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1.5cm
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0.5cm
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3.5cm
Correct Answer
A. 2.5cmExplanation
The external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal, is approximately 2.5cm long in adults. This is the passage that leads from the outer ear to the middle ear. It is responsible for transmitting sound waves to the eardrum, allowing us to hear.Rate this question:
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- 38.
How long is the Eustachian tube at birth?
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17mm
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20mm
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23mm
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35mm
Correct Answer
A. 17mmExplanation
The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. At birth, the Eustachian tube is approximately 17mm in length. As a child grows, the Eustachian tube also elongates, reaching its adult length of around 35mm. The length of the Eustachian tube is important for maintaining proper pressure and drainage in the middle ear, preventing issues such as ear infections.Rate this question:
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- 39.
The primary auditory pathway is contralateralised. Which ear has an advantage for speech?
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Right
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Left
Correct Answer
A. RightExplanation
The primary auditory pathway is contralateralized, meaning that sound information from one ear is primarily processed in the opposite hemisphere of the brain. Since the left hemisphere of the brain is dominant for language processing in most individuals, the right ear has an advantage for speech perception. This is known as the right ear advantage, where the right ear has better access to the language-processing areas of the brain, leading to better speech perception and understanding.Rate this question:
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- 40.
Sound originated through a vibrating source and is propagated through a
Correct Answer
mediumExplanation
Sound is a form of energy that is produced when a source, such as a vibrating object, causes particles in a medium to vibrate. These vibrations then travel through the medium, which can be a solid, liquid, or gas, in the form of waves. The medium acts as a pathway for the sound waves to travel from the source to our ears, allowing us to perceive and hear the sound. Without a medium, such as air or water, sound waves cannot propagate and would not be able to reach our ears.Rate this question:
- 41.
The OHCs stiffen in response to loud sounds to suppress the level of stimulation and so increase the dynamic range of hearing.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
It cushions us against very loud sounds!
This action is fine-tuned by the EFFERENT input to the OHCs.Rate this question:
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- 42.
The stereocilia of the OHCs, implanted in the tectorial membrane, are bent and the hair cell is depolarised.
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True
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False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The stereocilia of the OHCs, which are located in the tectorial membrane, are bent when the hair cell is depolarized. This suggests that the statement is true. When the stereocilia are bent, it allows for the transmission of sound signals to the brain. Therefore, the bending of the stereocilia in response to depolarization is an important mechanism in the auditory system.Rate this question:
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- 43.
What is the name of the auditory receptor organ which sits on the basilar membrane?
Correct Answer
Organ of CortiExplanation
The auditory receptor organ that sits on the basilar membrane is called the Organ of Corti. This organ is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. It contains specialized hair cells that are sensitive to different frequencies of sound, allowing us to perceive a wide range of auditory stimuli.Rate this question:
- 44.
Growth of the Eustachian tube is rapid, and for those who experience middle ear problems, many get better after which age?
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6
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9
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4
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5
Correct Answer
A. 6Explanation
The growth of the Eustachian tube is rapid, and for those who experience middle ear problems, many get better after the age of 6. This suggests that as children grow older, their Eustachian tubes develop and function more effectively, reducing the likelihood of middle ear problems.Rate this question:
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- 45.
The outer ear consists of the
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Pinna
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External Auditory Meatus
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Oval Window
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Tympanic membrane
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Pars tensa
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Pars flaccida
Correct Answer(s)
A. Pinna
A. External Auditory MeatusExplanation
The correct answer is Pinna, External Auditory Meatus. The outer ear is the visible part of the ear and is responsible for collecting sound waves. The pinna, also known as the auricle, is the fleshy, cartilaginous part of the outer ear that helps to direct sound waves into the ear canal. The external auditory meatus, also known as the ear canal, is the tube-like structure that leads from the pinna to the middle ear. It is lined with hair and wax-producing glands to protect the ear from foreign objects and infections. Together, the pinna and external auditory meatus play a crucial role in the process of hearing.Rate this question:
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- 46.
The amplitude of a sound wave relates to the changes above and below atmospheric pressure. What is this change called?
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Displacement
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Frequency
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Pitch
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Transient
Correct Answer
A. DisplacementExplanation
The correct answer is Displacement. The amplitude of a sound wave refers to the maximum distance that particles in the medium (such as air) are displaced from their equilibrium position as the wave passes through. It is a measure of the intensity or loudness of the sound. So, the change in pressure above and below atmospheric pressure is called displacement.Rate this question:
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- 47.
Approximately how many IHCs does the human ear have?
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3500
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2700
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3300
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4600
Correct Answer
A. 3500Explanation
The correct answer is 3500. IHCs, or Inner Hair Cells, are sensory cells located in the cochlea of the human ear. They play a crucial role in converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The human ear typically has around 3500 IHCs, which are responsible for transmitting auditory information to the brain for processing and perception of sound.Rate this question:
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- 48.
IHCs are innervated by ________________ and by a few efferent neurons.
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Myelinated type 1 afferent neurons
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Unmyelinated type 1 afferent neurons
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myelinated type 2 afferent neurons
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Unmyelinated type 2 afferent neurons
Correct Answer
A. Myelinated type 1 afferent neuronsExplanation
IHCs, or inner hair cells, are innervated by myelinated type 1 afferent neurons. These neurons transmit signals from the IHCs to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound. The myelination of these neurons helps to increase the speed and efficiency of signal transmission. Additionally, a few efferent neurons also innervate IHCs, allowing for feedback and modulation of the auditory system.Rate this question:
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- 49.
Motion of the basilar membrane, under the influence of sound, results in a shearing motion between the stereocilia of the _______________ and tectorial membrane, opening ion channels so that the flow of potassium ions from the endolymph into the hair cells increases. The cell depolarises and a signal is sent up the auditory pathway to the auditory nerve, and you hear the sound.
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Inner hair cells
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Outer hair cells
Correct Answer
A. Inner hair cellsExplanation
Under the influence of sound, the motion of the basilar membrane causes a shearing motion between the stereocilia of the inner hair cells and the tectorial membrane. This shearing motion opens ion channels, allowing an increased flow of potassium ions from the endolymph into the hair cells. This influx of potassium ions depolarizes the cell, leading to the generation of an electrical signal. This signal is then transmitted up the auditory pathway to the auditory nerve, which ultimately results in the perception of sound. The outer hair cells, on the other hand, play a role in amplifying and fine-tuning the sound signals received by the inner hair cells.Rate this question:
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May 27, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 01, 2020Quiz Created by
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