Question

1 ) a) What is the function of outer hair cells in auditory sensitivity? If there is a decrease in sensitivity will this have an effect on outer hair cells (What kind of damage to outer hair cells) ?

b) What is the function of unmyelinated neurons? Give an example (hint: pain)

Answer 1

Ans:

a) Outer hair cells improve hearing sensitivity,lead to compressive basilar membrane growth function and is reflected in neural activity of auditory nerve.

Damage outer hair cells decreases hearing sensitivity. Since inner ear hair cells cannot regenerate, therefore this damage is permanent.

b) Unmyelinated neuron pertains neurons without myelin sheath (sheath rapid conduction of action potential). In unmyelinated eurons, electrical impulses (action potentials) travel as continuous waves and markedly travel slower than myelinated neuron. e.g Group C fibers (postganglionic fibers) in the autonomic nervous system and nerve fibers at dorsal roots. These carry sensory information.