AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -When sound-induced basilar membrane vibrations deflect hair bundles of the outer hair cells, mechanoelectrical transduction of these cells generates the receptor potential (Dallos et al., 1982; Russell and Sellick, 1983).

Detailed explanation-2: -The vibrations of the basilar membrane in accordance with the varying frequency of the sound helps in depolarizing the receptor cells of the ear, that is, the hair cells. The action potential is generated in response to the neurotransmitters released by the hair cells.

Detailed explanation-3: -The movement of the basilar membrane causes hair cell stereocilia movement. The hair cells are attached to the basilar membrane, and with the moving of the basilar membrane, the tectorial membrane and the hair cells are also moving, with the stereocilia bending with the relative motion of the tectorial membrane.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pressure waves, which begin at the oval window, cause the basilar membrane to vibrate, so that the cilia of the hair cells touch the tectorial membrane. This causes the hair cells to initiate nerve impulses, which are carried by the auditory nerve to the brain.