What function is served by hair cells in the ear?
A) When they move, they cause the eardrum to vibrate.
B) They protect the delicate membrane in the inner ear.
C) They serve as the auditory receptors.
D) They collect sound waves from the air and direct them to the eardrum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hair cells in the ear serve as the auditory receptors, meaning they detect and transduce sound waves into neural signals that can be interpreted by the brain.

Note: A is incorrect because hair cells are located in the inner ear, not the eardrum. B and D are also incorrect because hair cells do not serve a protective or directional function in the ear.

What Function Is Served by Hair Cells in the Ear