From the provided diagram of a single loop of the human cochlea, select the option that correctly identifies the names of three distinct components.
D: Sensory hair cells, A: Endolymph B: Tectorial membrane
A: Perilymph, B: Tectorial membrane C: Endolymph
B: Tectorial membrane, C: Perilymph, D: Secretory cells
C: Endolymph, D: Sensory hair cells, A: Serum
In a single loop of the human cochlea:
A: Perilymph is a fluid that fills the scala vestibuli and scala tympani, which are two of the three fluid-filled chambers in the cochlea. Perilymph is similar in composition to cerebrospinal fluid and helps transmit sound vibrations through the cochlea.
B: The tectorial membrane is a gelatinous structure that extends over the organ of Corti, which is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals. It plays a crucial role in the process of hearing by facilitating the movement of hair cells in response to sound waves.
C: Endolymph is a fluid that fills the scala media, the third chamber of the cochlea. It has a unique composition and plays a vital role in the sensory transduction of sound. Endolymph contains high levels of potassium ions and is crucial for the proper functioning of hair cells, which are responsible for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals for the auditory nerve.
Together, these components contribute to the intricate mechanism of hearing by transmitting and transducing sound waves in the cochlea. Hence, the correct answer is option 2.