The Bass test is designed to demonstrate the function of the vestibular systems
ID: 3474080 • Letter: T
Question
The Bass test is designed to demonstrate the function of the vestibular systems and it's regulation of balance. What is the function of the so called tip links on the stereocilia of hair cells in the vestibular system (also present in the organ of corti)? What is odd about how the hair cells mentioned above depolarise in terms of the ions responsible? What effect does the direction of bending of the stereocilia of hair cells have on the stimulation of action potentials from the supporting afferent neurones?Explanation / Answer
Ans 1. The tip links function as an essential element in mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) appartus in sensory hair cells of the inner ear. It is concerned more or less with hereditary deafness, noise induced hearing loss and presbycusis.
Ans 2. The depolarisation of hair cell occurs when K+ ions enter into the cells. The abundance of K+ in the endolymph resulting in high equilibrium potential for K+. Due to influx of K+ ions Ca++ ions are activated to open resulting in release of glutamate in synapse with spiral ganglion which inturn sends signal through the auditory pathways of the brain.
Ans 3. The direction of bending of sterocilia of hair cells results in opening or closing of the doors of the channel allowing the K+ ions to enter and to close the doors in order to prevent the overflow of K+ ions.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.