Which membrane interacts with hair cell stereocilia during basilar membrane motion to induce receptor potentials?

Which membrane interacts with hair cell stereocilia during basilar membrane motion to induce receptor potentials?

• A. Tympanic membrane
• B. Tectorial membrane
• C. Ossicles
• D. Eustachian tube

Answer: (B)

When basilar membrane motion occurs, the hair cell stereocilia are deflected by shear against the overlying tectorial membrane. This contact is what causes the bending of the stereocilia, opening mechanotransduction channels and generating receptor potentials in the hair cells, which then drive transmitter release to the auditory nerve. The tectorial membrane sits directly over the organ of Corti and interacts with the tips of the stereocilia, especially of the outer hair cells, to convert mechanical motion into electrical signals. The tympanic membrane, the ossicles, and the Eustachian tube are involved in transmitting and equalizing sound energy, not in the direct interaction with stereocilia during basilar membrane motion.

When basilar membrane motion occurs, the hair cell stereocilia are deflected by shear against the overlying tectorial membrane. This contact is what causes the bending of the stereocilia, opening mechanotransduction channels and generating receptor potentials in the hair cells, which then drive transmitter release to the auditory nerve. The tectorial membrane sits directly over the organ of Corti and interacts with the tips of the stereocilia, especially of the outer hair cells, to convert mechanical motion into electrical signals. The tympanic membrane, the ossicles, and the Eustachian tube are involved in transmitting and equalizing sound energy, not in the direct interaction with stereocilia during basilar membrane motion.