BASILAR MEMBRANES Meaning and
Definition
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The basilar membrane is a vital structure located within the cochlea of the inner ear. It is a thin, ribbon-like, flexible membrane that stretches from the base to the apex of the cochlea. The primary function of the basilar membrane is to support the sensory hair cells involved in converting sound waves into electrical signals that can be interpreted by the brain.
The basilar membrane is responsible for separating the cochlea into two fluid-filled compartments: the scala media (also known as the cochlear duct) and the scala tympani. It is composed of a complex arrangement of fibers, including both rigid and flexible components. These fibers vary in length and stiffness along the length of the membrane, resulting in a gradient of mechanical properties from the basal to apical end.
When sound waves enter the ear, they travel through the ear canal and cause vibration of the eardrum. This vibration is subsequently transmitted to the middle ear bones, which amplify the sound and transmit it to the inner ear. Once the sound reaches the inner ear, it passes through the fluid-filled compartments and causes the basilar membrane to vibrate. The specific frequency components of the sound waves cause different parts of the basilar membrane to vibrate maximally, depending on their specific mechanical properties. This tonotopic organization enables the basilar membrane to act as a frequency analyzer, allowing for the perception of different pitch and frequency components of sound. The sensory hair cells on top of the basilar membrane detect these vibrations and convert them into electrical signals that are then transmitted to the brain for interpretation.
Common Misspellings for BASILAR MEMBRANES
- vasilar membranes
- nasilar membranes
- hasilar membranes
- gasilar membranes
- bzsilar membranes
- bssilar membranes
- bwsilar membranes
- bqsilar membranes
- baailar membranes
- bazilar membranes
- baxilar membranes
- badilar membranes
- baeilar membranes
- bawilar membranes
- basular membranes
- basjlar membranes
- basklar membranes
- basolar membranes
- bas9lar membranes
- bas8lar membranes
Etymology of BASILAR MEMBRANES
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 "basilar membranes" in anatomy refers to the membranes found in the cochlea of the inner ear. These membranes are important for the sense of hearing as they vibrate in response to sound waves, initiating the process of sound perception.
The term "basilar membranes" combines "basilar" with "membranes", which comes from the Latin word "membrana" meaning "thin layer" or "membrane". In this context, "basilar membranes" refers to the foundational, thin layers found in the cochlea.
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