The part of the ear where sound is transduced is

Options

A. tympanic membrane
B. ear ossicles
C. semicircular canals
D. cochlea

Explanation

To solve the question "The part of the ear where sound is transduced is," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Parts of the Ear**:
- The ear consists of several parts: the tympanic membrane (eardrum), ear ossicles, semicircular canals, and cochlea.

2. **Understand the Function of Each Part**:
- **Tympanic Membrane**: This is the membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It vibrates in response to sound waves.
- **Ear Ossicles**: These are three small bones in the middle ear (malleus, incus, and stapes) that transmit sound vibrations from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.
- **Semicircular Canals**: These structures are involved in balance and do not play a role in sound transduction.
- **Cochlea**: This is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear that is responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

3. **Determine the Part Responsible for Sound Transduction**:
- The cochlea is the part of the ear that transforms sound vibrations into neural messages. It contains fluid and hair cells that respond to sound waves and send signals to the brain.

4. **Select the Correct Answer**:
- Based on the functions described, the correct answer to the question is the cochlea, as it is the part of the ear where sound is transduced into neural signals.

### Final Answer:
The part of the ear where sound is transduced is the **cochlea**.

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