Question

The membranous labyrinth is concerned with
A. Hearing
B. Equilibrium
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Membranous labyrinth is a part of the human ear. It is present within the bony labyrinth. Labyrinth is also known as inner ear. Ears perform two sensory functions like hearing and maintaining body balance.

Complete answer:
-Each ear is differentiated into three regions namely external ear,middle ear and internal ear. The external ear comprises pinna as well as external auditory canal, which is very beneficial in giving the sound to the middle ear. The middle ear consists of an ear drum, three ossicles. Ear ossicles mainly help in increasing the efficiency of transmission of sound waves.
-The inner ear comprises cochlea and vestibular apparatus. The inner ear is usually fluid filled and known as labyrinth. Labyrinth can be differentiated into two regions called bony and membranous labyrinth.
-Bony labyrinth consists of a series of channels into which a membranous labyrinth is present,which is surrounded by perilymph. In the membranous labyrinth, there is a cavity containing endolymph.
-The coiled portion of labyrinth is also known as cochlea which contains the reissner’s membrane and basilar membrane. Organ of corti is found on the basilar membrane, comprising hair cells. Vesicular apparatus contains semicircular canals and otolith organs. The semicircular canals contain crista ampullaris and saccule and otolith contains saccule and utricle.
-The receptors for hearing (hair cells) and body balance both static and dynamic (ampullaris and macula) are present on the membranous labyrinth, and it is related with both the functions.
-Hair cells contain the receptors which are auditory in nature and ampullaris and macula are known to be the balancing receptors.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: In the inner ear the membranous labyrinth is present inside the bony labyrinth contains receptors for both hearing and equilibrium. Both static and dynamic equilibrium are maintained by the balancing receptors. Bony labyrinth shields the membranous labyrinth and is very helpful in sheltering the inner soft membrane.