What happens to the sound waves when they reach the round window through scala tympani ?

Options

A. They die away
B. They increase in intensity
C. They are transmitted to the oval window
D. They remain unaffected

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of the Ear**:
- The ear consists of three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is divided into three sections: scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani.

2. **Identifying the Role of the Scala Tympani**:
- The scala tympani is one of the chambers in the cochlea. It is filled with perilymph fluid and does not contain the organ of Corti, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into neural signals.

3. **Sound Wave Propagation**:
- When sound waves travel through the cochlea, they enter the scala vestibuli first and then move into the scala media where the organ of Corti is located. The sound waves then continue into the scala tympani.

4. **What Happens at the Round Window**:
- The round window is a membrane-covered opening that allows for the movement of fluid within the cochlea. When sound waves reach the round window through the scala tympani, they do not cause any further stimulation of the organ of Corti.

5. **Conclusion**:
- As the sound waves reach the round window via the scala tympani, they effectively "die away" or dissipate. This is because the scala tympani does not contribute to the hearing process, and the sound waves do not increase in intensity, get transmitted to the oval window, or remain unaffected.

### Final Answer:
When sound waves reach the round window through the scala tympani, they die away.

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