Question

What characterize the function of outer hair cells?

a. Send information about sound to the brain

b. Functions as motors that increases the sensitivity of the ear

c. Outer hair cells are sensitive to head movements

d. The way the outer hair cells are innervated

Answer 1

b. Function as motor that Increases the sensitivity of the ear.

Explanation - Outer hair cells are situated in the centre of the basillar membrane. Outer hair cell modify the motion of basilar membrane and hence mechanically amplify the sound that enters the cochlea. Amplification may be due to movement of hair bundle or by electrically driven motility of the cell body. Hence by amplifying sound outer hair cell Increases the sensitivity of ear to sound.

Also, when outer hair cells are damaged due to noise leads to decresed Sensitivity to sound.