After causing vibrations of the maleus, sound waves pass (in sequence) through the
A) stapes, round window, scala externa perilymph, scala media endolymph, and oval window.
B) incus, stapes, oval window, scala vestibuli perilymph, and cochlear duct endolymph.
C) oval window, scala tympani perilymph, scala vestibuli endolymph, and spiral organ.
D) incus, stapes, oval window, scala tympani endolymph, scala vestibuli, and helicotrema.
E) stapes, incus, round window, scala media perilymph, and scala vestibuli endolymph.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After causing vibrations of the maleus, the sound waves pass through the incus, stapes, and oval window. From there, they enter the scala vestibuli, which is filled with perilymph. As the sound waves move through the fluid of the scala vestibuli, they cause the basilar membrane to vibrate, which in turn causes the hair cells of the spiral organ to move. This movement triggers an electrical signal that is sent to the brain, allowing us to perceive sound. The fluid that the sound waves pass through is perilymph, not endolymph. The scala tympani and helicotrema are also involved in the hearing process, but they are not directly in the path that sound waves take after passing through the oval window.

After Causing Vibrations of the Maleus, Sound Waves Pass (In