The basilar membrane of cochlea

Options

A. Is unaffected by movement of fluid in the scala vestibule
B. Covers the oval window and round window
C. Vibrate in a pattern determined by the form of travelling wave in the fluids of cochlea
D. Vibrates when the body is subjected to linear accelrations.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of the Cochlea**:
- The cochlea is a spiral-shaped structure in the inner ear responsible for converting sound vibrations into nerve impulses. It consists of three main chambers: the scala vestibuli, scala media, and scala tympani.

2. **Identifying the Chambers**:
- The **scala vestibuli** is the upper chamber filled with a fluid called **perilymph**.
- The **scala media** is the middle chamber, which contains the organ of Corti, responsible for sound transduction.
- The **scala tympani** is the lower chamber, also filled with perilymph.

3. **Role of the Basilar Membrane**:
- The **basilar membrane** is located between the scala media and scala tympani. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by vibrating in response to sound waves.

4. **Effect of Fluid Movement**:
- The question states that the basilar membrane is unaffected by the movement of fluid in the scala vestibuli. This is true because the movement of fluid in the scala vestibuli primarily affects the **Reissner's membrane**, which separates the scala vestibuli from the scala media.

5. **Vibration Patterns**:
- The basilar membrane vibrates according to the pattern determined by the traveling wave created by sound waves in the cochlear fluids. This vibration is essential for the conversion of sound waves into nerve impulses.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct statement regarding the basilar membrane is that it is unaffected by the movement of fluid in the scala vestibuli, and it vibrates in response to sound waves.

### Final Answer:
The basilar membrane of the cochlea is unaffected by the movement of fluid in the scala vestibuli.

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