Question

Sensory cells have supporting cells in cristae called as
A. Claudius
B. Deiters
C. Hensen
D. All of the above

Answer 1

The ear is a sense organ bearing sensory receptors that are specialized epidermal cells that respond to external stimuli and transmit to the neural dendrites. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, vestibular, and semicircular canals. The crista ampullaris is the sensory organ of rotation found in the ampullae of each of the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Supporting cells in the cochlea include Hensen’s cells, Deiters’ cells, inner and outer pillar cells, Claudius cells, and inner supporting cells. They help to maintain the environment of the epithelium and enable the hair cells to function properly.

Complete answer:
Claudius: Incorrect Answer
These cells are supporting cells within the Organ of Corti in the cochlea that are sealed with tight junctions thus preventing leakage of endolymph.
Deiters: Incorrect Answer
Cells of Deiters are also known as the phalangeal cells. These are supporting cells that hold the base of the hair cell in a cup-shaped depression.
Hensen: Correct Answer
Cells of Hensen in the organ of Corti are supporting columnar cells that are located at the boundaries of the phalangeal processes between outer hair cells and Claudius cells of Claudius. Several layers of these cells rest on the basilar membrane. These cells can differentiate into tectal cells which further differentiate in the outer hair cells or into undertectal cells that further differentiate into cells of Deiters.
All of the above: Incorrect answer
It is evident that Hensen cells give rise to other types of cells forming the major supporting cell in the sensory cells.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: The mechanism for the contraction of the organ of Corti induced by intense sound or mechanical stimulation may be due to the change in intracellular calcium concentration. This leads to the motility of outer hair cells and Deiters cells as a protective reflex against sound trauma.