Which statement correctly describes the round window's function?

Which statement correctly describes the round window's function?

• A. It stimulates the hair cells directly
• B. It regulates endolymph composition
• C. Absorbs the wave's energy and dissipates it
• D. It connects the scala vestibuli and scala tympani

Answer: (C)

The round window serves as a pressure relief valve for the cochlear fluid. When the stapes pushes into the oval window, the fluid inside the cochlea is largely incompressible, so the round window membrane bulges outward to accommodate that motion. This movement dissipates the wave energy and prevents pressure from building up so that the traveling wave can propagate along the basilar membrane and deflect hair cells to generate neural signals. It does not directly stimulate hair cells, regulate endolymph composition, or connect the scala vestibuli and scala tympani.

The round window serves as a pressure relief valve for the cochlear fluid. When the stapes pushes into the oval window, the fluid inside the cochlea is largely incompressible, so the round window membrane bulges outward to accommodate that motion. This movement dissipates the wave energy and prevents pressure from building up so that the traveling wave can propagate along the basilar membrane and deflect hair cells to generate neural signals. It does not directly stimulate hair cells, regulate endolymph composition, or connect the scala vestibuli and scala tympani.