What happens immediately after the stirrup vibrates against the oval window?
A)nerve impulses leave the cochlea.
B)fluid in the cochlea causes the basilar membrane to move.
C)the tympanic membrane begins to vibrate.
D)the hammer and the anvil begin to move.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the stirrup vibrates against the oval window, it causes pressure waves to travel through the fluid in the cochlea, causing the basilar membrane to move. This movement of the basilar membrane causes hair cells to bend, and in turn, nerve impulses are sent to the brain. So, option B is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because the nerve impulses are generated after the basilar membrane moves, not immediately after the stirrup vibrates. Option C is incorrect because the tympanic membrane is already vibrating before the stirrup hits the oval window. Option D is incorrect because the hammer and the anvil are located in the middle ear and are not directly involved in the process of sound transduction in the cochlea.

What Happens Immediately After the Stirrup Vibrates Against the Oval