Question

The swaying of stereocilia in response to sound waves results in an influx of _______, which leads to an _________ at the base of the inner hair cell (IHC). This triggers the release of glutamate. a) Potassium ions; depolarization b) Sodium ions; hyperpolarization c) Calcium ions; repolarization d) Chloride ions; action potential

Answer 1

a) Potassium ions; depolarization.

Step-by-step explanation:

When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the fluid in the cochlea to move. This movement causes the stereocilia, which are small hair-like structures on the hair cells in the cochlea, to sway.

As the stereocilia sway, ion channels in the hair cell membrane open, allowing potassium ions to enter the cell. This influx of potassium ions leads to depolarization of the hair cell, meaning the inside of the cell becomes less negative.

At the base of the inner hair cell (IHC), this depolarization triggers the release of a neurotransmitter called glutamate. Glutamate is released and acts as a chemical messenger to transmit the sound signal to the auditory nerve fibers, which then send the signal to the brain for processing.

So, in summary, the swaying of stereocilia in response to sound waves results in an influx of potassium ions, which leads to depolarization at the base of the inner hair cell (IHC) and triggers the release of glutamate.