Hall: Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 12th Edition
Chapter 52: The Sense of Hearing
Test Bank
1. Low frequency sound causes which portion of the basilar membrane to vibrate?
A. The portion close to the oval window
B. The middle portion of the basilar membrane
C. Low frequency sound induces vibration all along the length of the basilar membrane
D. The portion close to the helicotrema
2. How many rows of outer hair cells are present in the human organ of Corti?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four
3. The function of the inner hair cells of the organ of Corti is best described as?
A. The inner hair cells transduce the auditory signal
B. The inner hair cells adjust the sensitivity of the outer hair cells to stimulation
C. The inner hair cells send inhibitory signals to the lateral geniculate nucleus
D. The inner hair cells stabilize the basilar membrane
4. Which structure within the central auditory pathway is involved in determining the
direction of sound?
A. The trapezoid body
B. The superior olivary nucleus
C. The auditory cortex
D. The inferior colliculus
5. High frequency sound causes which portion of the basilar membrane to vibrate?
A. The portion close to the oval window
B. The middle portion of the basilar membrane
C. Low frequency sound induces vibration all along the length of the basilar membrane
D. The portion close to the helicotrema
6. Damage to the inner hair cells of the organ of Corti located from the midpoint of the
basilar membrane to the helicotrema will most likely result in which of the following?
A. A loss of the ability to perceive high frequency sounds
B. A loss of the ability to taste all but the bitter taste sensation
C. A loss of the ability to appreciate the floral scent
D. A loss of the ability to perceive mid and low frequency sounds
7. The function of the rows of outer hair cells in the organ of Corti is to:
A. Adjust the sensitivity of the inner hair cells to stimulation
B. Transduce the auditory signal itself
C. Determine the direction of sound
D. Adjust the stiffness of the basilar membrane through reflex activity
8. In the central auditory system, nerve fibers from the superior olivary nucleus:
A. Project to the medial geniculate nucleus via the medial lemniscus
B. Project to the auditory cortex via the superior colliculus
C. Project to the superior colliculus via the trapezoid body
D. Project to the inferior colliculus via the lateral lemniscus
9. Which of the following makes a direct connection with the round window?
A. The incus
B. The stapes
C. The malleus
D. None of the above
10. Which of the following makes a direct connection with the oval window?
A. The tympanic membrane
B. The stapes
C. The malleus
D. The incus
11. Which of the following is correct?
A. The amplitude of sound is determined by the position of displacement along the
basement membrane of the cochlea
B. The outer hair cells of the organ of Corti transduce the sound signal
Test Bank
52-3
C. Amplitude of sound is determined by the amount of displacement of the basement
membrane of the cochlea
D. Frequency of sound is determined by the amount of displacement along the basement
membrane of the cochlea
12. In the central auditory pathway which of the following represents the correct sequence of
structures in the pathway?
A. Cochlear nuclei – superior olive – inferior colliculus via the lateral lemniscus –
medial geniculate – auditory cortex
B. Cochlear nuclei – inferior olive – inferior colliculus via the medial lemniscus – medial
geniculate – auditory cortex
C. Cochlear nuclei – superior olive – superior colliculus via the lateral lemniscus –
lateral geniculate – auditory cortex
D. Cochlear nuclei – inferior olive – inferior colliculus via the lateral lemniscus – lateral
geniculate – auditory cortex
13. The function of the round window can best be described by which of the following
statements?
A. The round window provides the connection point for the stapes
B. The round window serves to damp out low frequency sounds such as your own voice
C. The round window transmits the frequency information into the cochlea from the
tympanic membrane
D. The round window serves as the pressure relief valve for the cochlea
14. Which structure in the central auditory pathway is involved in determining the direction
of sound?
A. The medial geniculate nucleus
B. The superior olivary nucleus
C. The lateral lemniscus
D. Trapezoid body