PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Which one of the following is the first to be displaced by sound energy entering the ear?

a. Oval window

b. Tectorial membrane

c. Basilar membrane

d. Tympanic membrane

e.

2. Hair cells similar to those of the organ of Corti are important for the function of which two of the following sensory organs?

a. Muscle spindle

b. Retina

c. Crista ampullaris

d. Golgi tendon organ

e. Utricular macula

3. Which one of the following statements is false?

a. An increase in sound wave frequency is perceived as an increase in pitch.

b. The area of greatest displacement of the basilar mem­brane moves closer to its base (toward the oval window) as the sound wave frequency decreases.

c. A decrease in sound wave amplitude is perceived as decreased loudness.

d. An increase in sound wave amplitude displaces a longer region of the basilar membrane.

e. Contraction of muscles attached to the ossicles reduces the sound energy reaching the inner ear.

4. Which one of the following cranial nerves transmits sound to the brain?

a. Second

b. Seventh

c. Eighth

d. Tenth

5. Of the following brain nuclei, which one receives auditory information last?

a. Medial geniculate nucleus

b. Cochlear nuclei

c. Superior olivary nucleus

d. Inferior colliculus