Which membranes separate the cochlea into three chambers?

Which membranes separate the cochlea into three chambers?

• A. Perilymph; Endolymph
• B. Tectorial; Reissner's
• C. Basilar; Reissner's
• D. Cochlear; vestibular

Answer: (C)

The membranes that separate the cochlea into three distinct chambers are the Basilar membrane and Reissner's membrane. The cochlea is structured with three compartments: the scala vestibuli, the scala tympani, and the scala media (or cochlear duct). Reissner's membrane, also known as the vestibular membrane, forms the upper boundary of the scala media and separates it from the scala vestibuli. The Basilar membrane serves as the floor of the scala media and separates it from the scala tympani. Together, these membranes play crucial roles in the functioning of the cochlea, facilitating the intricate processes of sound transduction and wave propagation through the fluid-filled chambers. Understanding the roles of these specific membranes is crucial in the context of auditory physiology and the mechanics of hearing. The other options do not accurately identify the membranes responsible for dividing the cochlea into its three chambers.

The membranes that separate the cochlea into three distinct chambers are the Basilar membrane and Reissner's membrane. The cochlea is structured with three compartments: the scala vestibuli, the scala tympani, and the scala media (or cochlear duct).

Reissner's membrane, also known as the vestibular membrane, forms the upper boundary of the scala media and separates it from the scala vestibuli. The Basilar membrane serves as the floor of the scala media and separates it from the scala tympani. Together, these membranes play crucial roles in the functioning of the cochlea, facilitating the intricate processes of sound transduction and wave propagation through the fluid-filled chambers.

Understanding the roles of these specific membranes is crucial in the context of auditory physiology and the mechanics of hearing. The other options do not accurately identify the membranes responsible for dividing the cochlea into its three chambers.