BASILAR MEMBRANE Meaning and
Definition
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The basilar membrane can be defined as a critical structure found in the inner ear of humans and other vertebrates that plays a fundamental role in the perception of sound. It is a long, narrow, and flexible membrane that stretches along the length of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled cavity within the inner ear.
The basilar membrane is an essential component of the auditory system as it is responsible for converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain. It is composed of a complex array of fibers that vary in thickness and stiffness along its length, creating what is known as the tonotopic organization. This means that the different regions of the membrane respond to different frequencies of sound, allowing us to perceive pitch and distinguish between different tones.
When sound waves enter the cochlea, they cause fluid within the cochlear canal to move, which in turn causes the basilar membrane to vibrate. As the vibrations propagate along the membrane, the hair cells—the sensory cells responsible for detecting sound—located on its surface are stimulated. These hair cells then convert the mechanical energy of the vibrations into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain for further processing and interpretation.
In summary, the basilar membrane is a structural component of the inner ear that is crucial for the perception of sound. Its specialized characteristics allow for the analysis of different sound frequencies, leading to our ability to recognize pitch and differentiate between various tones.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BASILAR MEMBRANE
- vasilar membrane
- nasilar membrane
- hasilar membrane
- gasilar membrane
- bzsilar membrane
- bssilar membrane
- bwsilar membrane
- bqsilar membrane
- baailar membrane
- bazilar membrane
- baxilar membrane
- badilar membrane
- baeilar membrane
- bawilar membrane
- basular membrane
- basjlar membrane
- basklar membrane
- basolar membrane
- bas9lar membrane
Etymology of BASILAR MEMBRANE
The word "basilar" comes from the Latin word "basis", meaning "base" or "foundation". It is derived from the Greek word "basis", which has a similar meaning. The term "membrane" comes from the Latin word "membrāna", meaning "membrane" or "parchment".
In anatomy, the basilar membrane refers to a membrane located in the inner ear. It forms the base or the foundation of the spiral-shaped cochlea, and it plays a crucial role in the process of hearing.
Similar spelling word for BASILAR MEMBRANE
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