Which structure is associated with energy dissipation rather than signal transduction?

Which structure is associated with energy dissipation rather than signal transduction?

• A. Basilar membrane
• B. Spiral ganglion
• C. Round window
• D. Organ of Corti

Answer: (C)

Energy dissipation in the cochlea is handled by the round window, a flexible membrane opposite the oval window. It moves outward or inward as the stapes pushes on the oval window, allowing cochlear fluids to shift and relieve pressure. This prevents dangerous pressure buildup and doesn’t participate in converting mechanical energy into neural signals. In contrast, the basilar membrane carries the traveling wave that deflects hair cell stereocilia in the Organ of Corti, initiating transduction into receptor potentials, and the spiral ganglion contains the neuron cell bodies that relay those signals to the brain. So the round window is the structure associated with energy dissipation rather than signal transduction.

Energy dissipation in the cochlea is handled by the round window, a flexible membrane opposite the oval window. It moves outward or inward as the stapes pushes on the oval window, allowing cochlear fluids to shift and relieve pressure. This prevents dangerous pressure buildup and doesn’t participate in converting mechanical energy into neural signals. In contrast, the basilar membrane carries the traveling wave that deflects hair cell stereocilia in the Organ of Corti, initiating transduction into receptor potentials, and the spiral ganglion contains the neuron cell bodies that relay those signals to the brain. So the round window is the structure associated with energy dissipation rather than signal transduction.