Question

The primary function of the semicircular canals is to:

A. transduce sound waves into action potentials

B. detect rotational movement in space

C. detect the position of the head in space relative to gravity

D. produce endolymph fluid for the cochlea

E. detect the presence of noxious stimuli

Answer 1

- The transduction of sound wave into action potential is responsibility of the hair cells present in the organ of corti. Semicircular canal are not responsible for this function.
- Saccule and urticle present in the vestibule detect the position of the head in space relative to gravity. It is not the function of semicircular canal.

- Stria vascularis produce endolymph fluid for the cochlea. It is not a function of semicircular canal.
- noxious stimuli in the ear are detected by auditory nociceptors. It is not a function of semicircular canal.
- Semicircular canals are responsible for detect rotational movement in space. The semicircular canal contains endolymph that contains sensory receptors for angular or rotatory motion of body.
Answer : B. detect rotational movement in space