Deformation of the kinocilium away from the other stereocilia A) Opens a Ca²⁺ channel that depolarizes the hair cells B) Opens a Na⁺ channel that depolarizes the hair cells C) Opens a Cl^- channel that hyperpolarizes the hair cells D) Opens a Cl^- channel that depolarizes the hair cells E) Opens a K⁺ channel that depolarizes the cells because the endolymph has a very high [K⁺]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Deformation of the kinocilium away from the other stereocilia leads to the opening of mechanically gated potassium channels, which depolarizes the hair cells due to the high potassium concentration in the endolymph surrounding the hair cells.

Deformation of the Kinocilium Away from the Other Stereocilia